Optic neuritis symptoms

  What are the symptoms of optic neuritis in MS?  I was diagnosed in 1996 with RRMS but haven't had ON symptoms yet, until last week, I think. The focus in my left eye went away in 24 to 36 hrs. Right eye is okay.  I have an appt. with ophthalmologist 6/23.  Does the vision go totally? Blackness? Whiteness? Only unfocused?  What are potential treatments, if any?  What tests are conducted to determine if it is MS-related ON, or some other cause?  I did have Visual Evoked Potentials back in 1996 that did show some slowing of response in both eyes.  Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. Symptoms can range from as minor as a slight fading of vision, noticable only as needing brighter than usual light to read or see small details of things easily, or as severe as total (temporary) blindness in the affected eye(s). Often there will be pain with eye movements, and colors will seem faded or "washed out". The most effective and safe proven treatment is INTRAVENOUS methylprednisolone (Solumedrol), followed by an oral (pills) taper. The use of only pills without the preceeding IV drug has been proven potentially HARMFUL (in the short term) in a very large trial, the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial, designed to answer the question you are asking. In this trial, the group of patients receiving only prednisone pills did worse than the group receiving no treatment (placebo) at all!! If you get optic neuritis and have been diagnosed with MS, then it is by definition MS-related optic neuritis. Please remember that information provided on the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only and that the actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). We hope you find the information helpful. If you would be interested in an evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Gregory Kosmorsky is our neuro-opthalmologist  and has special interest in treating optic neuritis. Our number is 1-800-223-2273.