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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that transmit visual information to your brain from your eye. Pain and temporary vision loss are common symptoms of optic neuritis.
Optic neuritis usually develops in association with an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by an infection. In some people, signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be an indication of multiple sclerosis, a condition resulting in inflammation and damage to nerves in your brain and spinal cord.
Most people who experience a single episode of optic neuritis eventually recover their vision. Treatment with steroid medications may speed up vision recovery after optic neuritis.
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- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 10, 2011.
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