Optic Neuritis

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.

Locations

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Central Avenue Office

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Arrowhead Road Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

See What Our Patients Say!

  • "Theobald is an amazing Eye Care Clinic. The Doctors are so knowledgeable and professional. They are also fun to talk to. I absolutely love Dr. Teresa. She has been my primary eye doctor for several years. I couldn’t be happier with the clinic or their staff. Everyone there is friendly and easy to work with. The eye glass selection is great too."
    Jessica P.
  • "Just wanted to shout out to Theobald Eye Clinic-what an awesome staff you have at the Arrowhead office. My dad brought my uncle, Warren, in to get his prescription for his glasses filled this afternoon. Everything was easy and quick. Everyone is amazing. Love this staff. Very caring and kind."
    Shellie G.
  • "I've really never had a detailed discussion of my eyes before this visit. I was amazed and answered many questions i have had. I felt very comfortable and I'm confident I've found a doc who can be part of my health plan going forward. I had lots of help choosing some cool reading glasses as well!"
    Paul S.
  • "We LOVE Dr. Theobald and all the office staff. We have been going here for 6 years. You can tell they truly care about you."
    Anne M.
  • "I hate picking out glasses and I was so relieved when the staff here made it so easy! They really know how to help you pick glasses that are the right shape for your face so you always look your best. They are not only knowledgeable but have a great selection of glasses to pick from! I could not be happier with the pair they helped me pick out and it was a relief to feel confident in my choice after I left! Thank you Theobald family eye care!"
    Mandi J.
  • "Always a great experience for my entire family. Great selection of frames also."
    Steve S.
  • "We have been seeing Dr. Theobald for about 6 years now and they always treat us very good and take good care of our eyes!"
    Sarah W.
  • "Everyone here is EYEmazing! Accommodating, caring, thoughtful, friendly, kind and knowledgeable. A ++ with kids and adults! We will be back for our next check up! 🕶"
    Alana W.
  • "The Dr's and staff are very helpful and professional. My family has been going here for 8+ years and I recommend them to everyone. They also have a great selection of eyewear for any style."
    Heather B.
  • "I was blown away by the professionalism and courtesy of the staff! highly recommend to everyone!! Thank you so much for giving me and my kid's such amazing service! We can't wait to come back again!"
    Mary M.