Description Retrobulbar neuriti...
Description
Retrobulbar neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve behind the eye. This nerve carries information from the eye to the back of the brain. When the nerve is inflamed, the quality of the visual information is affected. Retrobulbar neuritis can be caused by a variety of conditions such as infections (syphilis, meningitis), exposure to chemicals, multiple sclerosis, tumors and allergic reactions. Although, in many cases, the cause is not found. Retrobulbar neuritis most commonly affects females and is a disease of young adulthood (average age of onset is 32).
Symptoms
Symptoms may include blurred vision, blind spots, loss of color vision, eye pain and complete blindness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam concentrating on the back of the eye will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made with a combination of history and exam findings. Other blood and imaging tests may be ordered to look for the specific cause of the disease.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Family Practice
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam concentrating on the back of the eye will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made with a combination of history and exam findings. Other blood and imaging tests may be ordered to look for the specific cause of the disease.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Family Practice
Treatment
Most cases do not require treatment. If a cause is identified, treatment is directed at the specific disease. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed.