The eye is a complex organ. Unfortunately, the intricacies of this bodily system sometimes make it vulnerable to diseases and complications. One of the more significant conditions is optic neuritis. This is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve, which is responsible for organizing and transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The following guide offers some important information on this condition, so you know when to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. 

What Are the Signs of Optic Neuritis?

Optic neuritis is characterized by sudden color deficit, blurriness, or total loss of vision in one eye. Individuals with this condition may also experience a mild or dull pain or ache in the surrounding area that is exacerbated by eye movement. Additionally, some individuals experience flashing lights in their peripheral vision.

What Are the Causes & Risk Factors?

Eye doctors believe that optic neuritis is caused by autoimmune illnesses or complications that lead to an attack on the myelin sheath, which is a fatty substance that protects the optic nerve. This damage hinders the transfer of electrical pulses from the eye to the brain, ultimately compromising the individual's eyesight.

Non-autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, may also pose a risk of developing the disease, as well as viral infections such as Lyme disease, measles, and mumps. Caucasians and women between the ages of 18 and 45 are also at risk. 

How Do Eye Doctors Treat This Condition?

Often, optic neuritis will improve on its own over time. However, if you're still experiencing symptoms after 12 weeks, you should talk to your eye doctor about more proactive treatment options. They may recommend an intravenous steroid medication to reduce swelling around the optic nerve and promote better vision. 

If you think you may have optic neuritis, schedule an appointment with the eye doctors at Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic in Minnesota. With two convenient locations in Blue Earth and Winnebago, a skilled team of professionals, and an extensive range of top-quality services, they have everything needed to ensure optimum optical health. Visit their website or call (507) 526-2222 to learn more and schedule an appointment today.