Optic Neuritis Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is Optic Neuritis?

When the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending impulses from the eye to the brain, is damaged due to swelling or inflammation, the condition is called Optic Neuritis.

Although it can also occur later, Optic Neuritis is one of the early indications of MS (Multiple Sclerosis) which causes nerve damage that affects the optic nerve. Optic Neuritis can otherwise be caused by immune diseases like Lupus or Neuromyelitis Optica that cause inflammation as well as swellings in both, the spine and the optic nerve.

Patients suffering from Optic Neuritis complain of pain in the eyes, impaired eye movement and even vision loss (which is usually temporary).

Sanjeevan Netraleya tailored treatments are unique as different patients require different specialised care. We treat patients with Optic Neuritis effectively without steroids and without giving them harmful side effects.

Adults between the ages of 20 – 40, or people with Genetic Mutations are at higher risk of developing Optic Neuritis

What are the causes of Optic Neuritis?

It is difficult to pin point the exact cause of Optic Neuritis but it occurs when swellings or inflammations that cause damage to the optic nerve. Doctors and researchers believe that it develops when area covering the optic nerve is targeted by the body’s immune system, damaging the myelin.

Although vision loss is often temporary, some patients may require additional treatment. Illness’ like MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Neuromyelitis Optica, MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) antibody disorder and Lupus are more likely to cause Optic Neuritis.

Some of the other causes include:

- Bacterial Infection like syphilis, cat scratch fever, lyme disease, measles etc

- Recurrent Optic Neuritis cane be caused by sarcoidosis, Behcet's disease and lupus

- Drugs like ethambutol (used to treat TB) and toxins like paints, antifreeze etc

What are the symptoms of Optic Neuritis and when should I see a doctor?

Optic Neuritis usually affects one eye of a patient. Some symptoms include:

- Pain in the eyes

- Impaired eye movement

- Loss of vision in the affected eye

- Colour Blindness

- Flickering or Flashing Lights

- Loss of central or peripheral vision

With Sanjeevan Netralaya’s Advanced Ayurvedic Treatment, the symptoms mentioned above can be managed, without any side effects. Our medication does not cause any discomfort like main stream medicine and helps treat the patient effectively.

It is imperative that you get regular eye check-ups, especially if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms as these symptoms can lead to permanent vision loss. Keep regular contact with your doctor and update them immediately if:

- New symptoms develop or symptoms that aren’t regular to Optic Neuritis occur

- Your condition worsens

Common complications of Optic Neuritis include:

- Damage to the Optic Nerve

- Weight gain and low immune

- Lower visual acuity

Can Optic Neuritis be treated?

The most effective way of treating Optic Neuritis is with ADVANCED AYURVEDIC EYE CARE treatments provided by Sanjeevan Netralaya. Sanjeevan Netralaya has treated over 6 lakh patients suffering from an array of retinal issues with a 100% success rate. Moreover, our treatments are tailer made to every patient making sure they are treated to perfection without causing harmful and uncomfortable side effects.

Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

What is Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy?

The Optic Nerve is responsible for taking impulses from the eye to the brain. When there is an interruption in the blood flow in the Optic Nerve due to Inflammation leading to sudden loss in vision, it is known as Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy or AION.

The interruption in the blood flow in the Optic Nerve leads to the lack of Oxygen and nutrients which are imperative for the blood vessels to survive and carry information or impulses from the eye to the brain leading to vision loss or even damage to the optic nerve.

When the loss of vision is not caused by an inflammation, it is known as Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

What are the symptoms of Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy?

Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy can be categorised into:

1. Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

2. Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

When a patient suffers loss of vision because of an inflammation due to giant cell arteries, it is known as Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy. Giant Cell Arteries, also known as temporal arteritis causes a patient medium as well as large sized artery inflammation. If not treated quickly, Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy can lead to complete loss of vision and can even be fatal.

Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy affects women more than men mostly over the age of 55.

Some of the symptoms of Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy are:

1. Pain or tingling sensation in the scalp

2. Neck Pain

3. Fever

4. Sudden weight loss

5. Appetite Loss

6. Tiredness and Fatigue

7. General muscle pains or pain in the upper legs/arms

8. Pain while chewing food

With Sanjeevan Netralaya’s Advanced Ayurvedic Treatment, the symptoms mentioned above can be managed, without any side effects. Our medication does not cause any discomfort like main stream medicine and helps treat the patient effectively.

It should be noted that symptoms pertaining to vision in Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy are usually painless. Patients might get temporary blurry vision or even vision loss for while before the vision loss gets permanent. It is very important to visit your docks immediately.

Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy is most common for people over the age of 50 and can appear in both men and women. Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy occurs when inflammation is not the cause of blockage in the blood flow of the optic nerve. It can be caused by:

1. Severe drop in blood pressure

2. Increase in pressure in the eye ball

3. Increase in thickness of blood

4. Thinning Arteries

5. Decrease in blood flow in the Optic Nerve

There are a number of factors that contribute to Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) or drop in Blood Pressure

2. Cholesterol

3. Smoking

4. Increased Cholestrol

5. Heart Problems or blocked arteries

6. Sickle Cell Trait

7. Inflammation of a blood vessel

Usual drop in blood pressure during sleep paired with other health problems causes sudden loss of vision or blurriness in vision felt when waking up is a main symptom of Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy. Sanjeevan Netraleya tailored treatments are unique as different patients require different specialised care. We treat patients with Non Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy effectively without steroids and without giving them harmful side effects.

How does my doctor diagnose Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy?

Number of tests can be used to diagnose Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy:

1. Biopsy

2. Tests for clarity of vision

3. Eye dilation exam to determine the extent of damage to the optic nerve

4. Blood tests to determine diseases and illness’ that lead to Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

5. Eye Pressure check

6. Pictures of the blood vessels in the eyes with an injected dye

7. Tests like Ecyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood tests and platelet count

How is Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy treated?

Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy is usually treated by controlling the problems that lead to AION. For instance, if the Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy is blood pressure related, the controlling your blood pressure with medication is key to controlling AION.

The main problem here is that regular medication can lead to discomfort and painful side effects. Sanjeevan Netralaya’s advanced ayurvedic eye care provides effective results without causing harmful side effects. We understand that every patient is different which is why our doctors understand each patient and their history before tailor making treatments that work for you. If you have any symptoms of Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy, it is imperative that you book an appointment today so we can make sure that you are relieved of all discomfort at the earliest!