Approach towards typical and atypical optic neuritis

Abstract

Optic neuritis (ON) is a visually disabiliting disease, characterized by acute or sub-acute loss of vision due to inflammation of the optic nerve. When it is associated with a swollen optic disc, it is called papillitis. When the optic disc appears normal due to involvement of the retro-bulbar portion, the term retro-bulbar optic neuritis is used. ON can be broadly classified as typical and atypical. The diagnosis and management of these two types are very different and needs aggressive approach. This article focuses mainly on the approach towards a case of ON.