Inflammation of the optic nerve
Optic Neuritis Treatment in Los Angeles
Sudden vision loss with pain behind the eye can be frightening. Optic neuritis is one of the most common causes, and it may be a sign of a neurological condition like multiple sclerosis. Our neuro-ophthalmology practice in Los Angeles specializes in rapid diagnosis and targeted treatment to protect your vision.
What is Optic Neuritis?
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. It often causes sudden, painful vision loss in one eye. Optic neuritis is commonly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but can also occur on its own or with other autoimmune conditions such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and MOG antibody disease. Early evaluation by a neuro-ophthalmologist in Los Angeles is critical to determine the cause and assess the risk of future neurological events.
Symptoms of Optic Neuritis
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye, often developing over hours to days
- Pain with eye movement, especially when looking up or to the side
- Colors appear washed out or faded (dyschromatopsia)
- A dark spot or blind area in the center of vision
- Flashing lights when moving the eyes (phosphenes)
- Vision that worsens with heat or exercise (Uhthoff phenomenon)
Common Causes of Optic Neuritis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) — the most common association
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
- MOG antibody-associated disease
- Viral or post-infectious inflammation
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or sarcoidosis
- Idiopathic (no identifiable cause found)
How We Evaluate Optic Neuritis
Evaluation includes a comprehensive neuro-ophthalmic examination with visual acuity testing, pupil evaluation (looking for a relative afferent pupillary defect), color vision testing, and visual field testing. An MRI of the brain and orbits with contrast is essential — it confirms optic nerve inflammation and helps assess the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Blood work for NMO and MOG antibodies may be ordered. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer and tracks recovery over time.
Treatment Options
Many cases of optic neuritis improve on their own over several weeks. High-dose intravenous corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone) may be recommended to speed visual recovery, particularly if the vision loss is severe. If an underlying condition like MS or NMO is identified, long-term disease-modifying therapy is typically recommended to prevent future episodes.
- High-dose intravenous corticosteroids to speed visual recovery
- Oral steroids in select cases
- Disease-modifying therapy if MS or NMO is identified
- Close monitoring of the fellow eye and neurological status
- Coordination with neurology for long-term management
Why Choose Dr. Ghiam for Optic Neuritis
- Fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with expertise in optic nerve disorders
- Rapid workup to distinguish optic neuritis from NAION, compressive optic neuropathy, and other causes
- Close collaboration with neurologists for MS and NMO management
- Advanced imaging interpretation (MRI, OCT) for accurate diagnosis
- Personalized follow-up to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence
Optic neuritis sits at the intersection of eye disease and neurological disease. A neuro-ophthalmologist has specialized training in both fields and can accurately distinguish optic neuritis from other causes of vision loss, order and interpret the right imaging studies, and coordinate care with neurologists when conditions like MS or NMO are involved.
Get Expert Help for Optic Neuritis
If you are experiencing sudden vision loss, eye pain, or changes in color vision, early evaluation is important. Contact our Los Angeles neuro-ophthalmology practice today.