Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis (ON) is a type of neuropathy (nerve disease) that can cause eye pain and vision loss or vision changes. It happens when inflammation affects signals traveling through your optic nerve, which connects your eyes and brain.

The cells that make up your optic nerve have a fatty coating called a myelin sheath. When you have ON, that sheath deteriorates. The coating is protective. Without it, the nerve cells can’t send signals properly. That’s why various forms of vision loss are common symptoms of this condition.

Types of this condition

There are three main types of optic neuritis:

Typical. This type usually affects one eye only, and most people recover within several days, even without treatment. (But experts still strongly recommend treatment for other reasons.)
Atypical. This type usually affects both eyes, and people with it usually don’t recover quickly. Research links it with several other complex neurological (nervous system-related) disorders.
Pediatric. This is the childhood form of optic neuritis. While similar to the other two types, there are also some important differences. This form usually has a better overall outlook.

How common is this condition?

Optic neuritis is common. In the U.S., there are about 5 new cases per 100,000 people each year.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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