Prognosis and Prevention of Optic Neuritis

Visual recovery in idiopathic optic neuritis is generally complete over weeks with some gradual recovery over months. There may be permanent reduction in contrast sensitivity and color defect.

Optic neuritis may recur in the same eye or in the other eye. The visual recovery is usually incomplete after repeated attacks of optic neuritis.

Prevention

The treatment of underlying cause of optic neuritis helps prevent further attacks of optic neuritis.

Infective causes like tuberculosis, syphilis can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

Toxin related optic neuritis can be halted my withdrawal of toxins like methyl alcohol and supplementation of vitamins. Drugs like ethambutol (anti tubercular medication) needs to be withdrawn when patients on antitubercular regimen develop optic neuritis.

In patients with multiple sclerosis treatment with high dose steroids, immune modulators, plasmapharesis or intravenous immunoglobulins is known to reduce the recurrences of optic neuritis.