Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
.

(336) 644-0802

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Insurance and Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Meet the Staff
  • Eyecare Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye and Vision Exams
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sports Vision
    • Sunglasses
  • Brands We Stock
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Community Content
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Common Eye Conditions >
  • Cognitive and Acquired >
  • Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis

  • Created in Common Eye Conditions, Cognitive and Acquired

optic neuritis

Also known as demyelinating optic neuritis, optic neuritis refers to the inflammation of the optic nerve due to the loss of or damage to a protective covering called myelin, which surrounds the optic nerve. The myelin is essential to the function of the optic nerve. A more general term, optic neuropathy, refers to nerve damage or abnormalities due to blocked blood flow, disease, or toxic exposure. Optic neuritis is a type of optic neuropathy.

Symptoms

Several vision symptoms accompany optic neuritis including blurred vision, blind spots, pain with eye movement, and reduced color vision. These symptoms typically precede a loss of vision. If left untreated, optic neuritis can lead to permanent optic nerve damage and permanent loss of visual acuity.

Causes

Although the exact cause of optic neuritis is not yet understood, optic neuritis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, which protects your optic nerve. The myelin is vital for the proper function of the optic nerve. When damaged, the nerve cannot efficiently transfer electric signals/information from the eyes to the brain, hindering vision.

Optic neuritis tends to occur in conjunction with several medical conditions, disorders, and diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, Lyme disease, ocular herpes, syphilis, measles, mumps, and sinusitis. In addition, optic neuritis can also develop in reaction to certain medications.

Most common among women, young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are at the greatest risk of developing optic neuritis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Eye care professionals diagnose optic neuritis using a series of tests and evaluations including a routine eye exam, an ophthalmoscopy (to inspect the back of the eye, looking for a swollen optic nerve), pupillary light reaction test (to check for abnormal function of the pupil), and blood tests.

Patients diagnosed with optic neuritis are much more likely to develop MS. As a result, if a patient is diagnosed with optic neuritis, an MRI will often be recommended to look for further signs of nerve damage and the possible development of MS.

Optic neuritis may clear up on its own. If, however, it does not, an eye care professional will usually recommend a regimen of steroids administered both orally and intravenously to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

If signs of MS are present in the patient, medications to slow the onset or development of MS will also be prescribed.

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Diseases
  • Eyeglasses
    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

  • Contact Us

    Call or send us an email today! Our staff will respond as soon as possible.
    Contact
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I recently received a corneal abrasion and Dr. Sarah Barts has gone above and beyond to help relieve my pain and discomfort. I can't thank her enough other than to give her the word that she is an excellent eye doctor, and I will never see another. If you are in the Summerfield area looking for a new eye specialist I HIGHLY recommend this office. The staff is always super friendly, and always willing to answer any questions you have. I can honestly say, as long I live in the Triad Area I will not stray from them"
    Dacia Waters
  • "I visited Summerfield Family Eye Care on 2/25 for an 11am appointment. The staff was friendly and I received answers to questions quickly. Not only did I receive an appointment a lot more quickly than other locations, but the overall time in office was phenomenal (Waiting room time quick, and seen the OD almost instantly). I'd recommend to family and friends for sure."
    Adam Hicks
  • "They are wonderful. Both me and my almost 4 year old are patients and they make her feel so comfortable and at ease, which isn't always easy. Would highly highly recommend."
    Miranda Peascoe

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    February Newsletter: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month

    Do you know how age-related macular degeneration could affect your vision? ...

    Read More

    February Newsletter: Why Dry Eye Is So Difficult to Treat

    Are dry eyes a frequent problem? Try these tips. ...

    Read More

    January Newsletter: How to Tell if You Have Macular Degeneration

    Do you know the symptoms that may mean you have macular degeneration? ...

    Read More

    January Newsletter: Glaucoma FAQs

    Got a few questions about glaucoma? ...

    Read More

    December Newsletter: Don't Over-Indulge this Holiday Season - Your Eyes Will Thank You

    Could changing your holiday eating habits help you protect your vision? ...

    Read More

    December Newsletter: Delicious Recipies that Are Healthy for Your Eyes

    Protect your vision with eye-healthy recipes. ...

    Read More

    November Newsletter: 5 signs that could be caused by diabetic retinopathy

    These vision problems could spell trouble if you have diabetes. ...

    Read More

    November Newsletter: Diabetic eye disease awareness month

    Do you know how diabetic eye diseases can affect your vision? ...

    Read More

    Your Blurry Vision Could Be Caused by Astigmatism

    Wondering why your vision is blurry? A vision problem called astigmatism may be to blame. ...

    Read More

    Dry Eyes? Blepharitis Could Be to Blame

    Are your eyes dry and uncomfortable? You may have blepharitis. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map