Optic Neuritis

[Deb61]

I've been diagnosed with optic neuritis in my right eye last week.  I'm not receiving any medicines for this and am expected to go back to my opthamologist in a couple of months for testing.  What kinds of tests are done for this problem?  Also, can heat bring on optic neuritis?  It's been reaaaalllllly hot here in Texas.  I have an MS diagnosis and want to avoid any further problems with my eyes.  What kinds of symptoms would signal that I should contact my doctor immediately for, if I already have this diagnosis?

Dr. Hagan you were right on that I should see my opthamologist sooner, rather than later when I talked with you last.  I want to keep my eyesight.  

Thank you.
Deb  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

That's why you should be seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist - those brainy diagnosticians that can unravel mysteries like this.

MJK MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Is your doctor aware of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial.  Often, optic neuritis is treated with a protocol of intravenous, then oral steroids.  I'm confused why this has not at least been discussed with you.  Nerve conduction is slower in higher temperatures, especially with optic neuritis.  The higher temperatures don't worsen the MS - they can just bring out the worst in your symtoms sometimes - particularly with vision.
Are you saying you had optic neuritis in the past or you have it now.  If you have it acutely now then treatment strategies should be discusses.  The symptoms to look for are blurred vision and pain with eye movement.
Michael Kutryb, MD

[switchinggranny]

Do you think it is safe for someone to drive who is dealing with ON? This is so difficult to be stuck home on top of this situation

[Deb61]

Thank you, doctor.  You've been very helpful.
Deb

[Deb61]

I'm confused, I must confess.  Is there something else that would make the optic nerve be swollen?  Perhaps it's something else . . .

Thanks again,
Deb

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The patients I have seen with acute optic neuritis usually had very poor vision (like 20/400 or worse) in just one eye.  Your case is different and I can see why steroids weren't used.  I get the feeling they really don't know what you have.

MJK MD

[Deb61]

Thank you for answering my question.  I was just diagnosed with the optic neuritis this last week.  I've had blurred and doubled vision for a very long time (even before my MS diagnosis in February this year).  So, I'm not sure then if he's seeing the results of an old problem or what.  When he examined my eyes he was noting that I had swelling in the optic nerve in the eye I didn't see reds as well in.  So, I'm confused.  

I don't have pain with eye movement (for a couple of days I did notice a very dull ache in the right eye, though), but I do have a louder burst of ringing in my ears when I move my eyes.  I also have a slight color variation in the right eye with reds.

I tested normal on the visual acuity, not sure how that is possible with optic neuritis, but I had to focus for several seconds on the letters before I could read them.  Also, my vision is not very good at night.  This has been this way for a long time, too.  Lights are not only doubled, but streaked.  I don't drive at night because of it.  

A couple of years ago I had severe pain in both of my eyes (mostly on the right).  It was extremely painful--I stayed in my walk-in closet where it was completely dark for a couple of days.  I went to a general practitioner (because it was the weekend) and he thought it was an infection and prescribed drops.  When I got in to see the opthamologist, he said that it was corneal abrasions.  Would this have had the effect on night vision that I was describing?  

Perhaps my case is mild?????  He did confer with my neurologist and said that normal acuity was a great sign.  He didn't discuss steroid treatments, but I suspect that this was the reason for his decision????  

Will having steroid treatment now, instead of letting it run its course have any benefits in the long run (when the optic neuritis is over)?

I used to not really take vision symptoms to seriously, but since being diagnosed with MS, I now know the gravity of what I'm dealing with.  

Dr. Kutryb, thanks for your time out of your busy schedule and concern, I really appreciate it.  This is a wonderful and selfless service that you and the other doctors do on this forum.

Deb