Abstract

Optic neuritis is the most frequent optic nerve neuropathy in young people.  The most common etiology is demyelinating disease, however, in differential diagnosis infectious and rheumatic causes should be considered as well. Typical optic neuritis is a self-limiting disease which does not require specific treatment. Because of the connection to demyelinating disease multidisciplinary approach is often required from ophthalmologists and neurologists working together to achieve the best results. Mainly for the modifying effect of the disease course, intravenous corticosteroid pulse therapy is used in the acute phase of the disease. Six months after acute optic neuritis, vision usually returns to 1.0, however, at closer examination one might still fi nd some deficit in colour and contrast vision.