Overview

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis (ON) is inflammation of the optic nerve. Inflammation of the optic nerve can affect the signal passing between the retina and the brain.

Vision loss is the most common symptom of ON. It can affect one eye or both, and can impact perception of color, as well as non-color vision.

When a patient develops optic neuritis, it is important to obtain further diagnostic testing to evaluate his or her risk of going on to develop multiple sclerosis or another related condition. These tests may include MRI of the brain and spinal cord, blood tests, spinal tap and other detailed visual diagnostic evaluations like visual evoked potentials, optical coherence tomography, visual fields, low contrast and color visual acuity tests.

The Northwestern Medicine Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology Program offers leading-edge, evaluation and compassionate care for patients with ON. To learn more about our neurodiagnostic services or to request an appointment, please call 312.695.7950 or fax your physician referral to 312.695.5747.