Non-steroidal Treatment for Retrobulbar Neuritis Eye Pain

[CTanc]

Does anyone know of any treatment other than steroids for retrobulbar optic neuritis?  Steroids work in reverse for me and have been tried a few times over the last 20 years of having MS.  This round doesn't impact my vision, but causes pain behind my right eye on any movement and pain in my left upper eyelid upon touch.  When I've had optic neuritis in the past, it mostly impacted my vision (gray area in the center of the  vision in one eye and a difference in the brightness of the color red in that eye).  The only thing I could do then was not travel (as I do for work).  That is not an option right now, so I am definitely looking for some other options.  Any ideas?

[PastorDan]

I've been helped by warm compresses, too.  Ophthalmologist even said to make them as hot as I could stand them.  Of course, I have no diagnosis of anything for certain but dry eyes.

[zoefromsussex]

Gabapentin is what my neuro recommends for neuropathic pain (I'm resisting so far!) but he says a simple drug like Ibuprofen can be useful too. I found it helpful to move me whole head when looking at things rarher than looking out the corner of the eye and I found cold compresses soothing. You have my sympathies here...I had painful ON the 2nd time round and it took me by surprise as I'd no pain whatsoever the first time round! I hope it eases up very soon for you

[PastorDan]

Neurontin (gabapentin) can be an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, but would seem unlikely to have any effect on any other symptoms, such as gray patches, sharpness, or color saturation.  As has been repeatedly discussed here, however, it's not something one just starts taking; it is an adjustment process.  See the Health Page on treating neuropathic pain.