Sudden vision loss or loss of color vision are key signs to visit a specialist and rule out chronic neurological pathologies.
Feeling pain when moving the eyeball or noticing sudden blurred vision are alarm symptoms that are often associated with a strictly ophthalmologic problem. However, Hospiten warns that these acute symptoms may hide optic neuritis, so it is vital to approach them from a neurological perspective.
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory process that acts as a 'short circuit', damaging and hindering the transmission of the visual information that travels from the retina to the brain. Although it can appear at any time of life, it usually has a very defined patient profile, mainly affecting young adults between 20 and 40 years of age, with a higher incidence in women.
Dr. Carlos Valido, neurologist at Hospiten Bellevue University Hospital, explains that "this inflammation is usually related to demyelinating diseases, which are a group of inflammatory processes that damage the lining of the nerves". Thus, the real importance of early diagnosis of this condition lies not only in preventing vision loss, but also in its association with other autoimmune pathologies.
"In many cases, optic neuritis is the first manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), which makes the neurologist a key figure for diagnosis and long-term treatment," the specialist emphasizes. However, the specialized care offered by Hospiten makes it possible to study other processes that can also trigger this condition, such as infections, systemic autoimmune diseases or reactions to certain drugs and toxins.
How to identify the main symptoms and when to see a specialist
Unlike other eye problems, which progress slowly, optic neuritis usually presents itself acutely, and can become abrupt or over the course of several days.
Dr. Valido notes that "the most characteristic symptoms include sudden vision loss, usually affecting one eye; eye pain that worsens significantly with movement; color alterations, especially red, which may appear duller or less bright than normal, or the sensation of sudden flashes of light."
The onset of painful vision loss should be a reason for immediate medical consultation. Also, the diagnostic process requires an initial thorough ophthalmologic examination, and if suspected optic neuritis is confirmed, it is transferred to the Neurology consult to assess further testing.
"Early diagnosis is crucial, not only to treat the current inflammation, but to assess the risk of developing chronic neurological diseases," explains the neurologist.
Optic neuritis treatment: how to reduce inflammation and restore vision
Similarly, once diagnosed, the main goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and speed up the visual recovery process. In general, intravenous corticosteroids are usually used in high doses for the first few days.
Although vision loss can be shocking at first, the prognosis is usually favorable. "The vast majority of patients begin to regain vision within a few weeks, and follow-up is usually performed after the initial episode. In addition, an assessment will be made as to whether the patient requires preventive treatments to avoid future outbreaks or the progression of demyelinating diseases," says the specialist.
Hospiten stresses that, in the event of loss of vision accompanied by pain when moving the eye, it is essential to go to a specialized center for assessment. Coordination between the ophthalmologist and the neurologist is the best guarantee to protect both your visual health and your general neurological wellbeing.