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Current options for the treatment of optic neuritis

Authors Pula J, MacDonald

Received 2 June 2012

Accepted for publication 19 June 2012

Published 31 July 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 1211—1223

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S28112

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 5



John H Pula,1 Christopher J MacDonald2

1Division of Neuro-ophthalmology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria; 2University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA

Abstract: Optic neuritis can be defined as typical (associated with multiple sclerosis, improving independent of steroid treatment), or atypical (not associated with multiple sclerosis, steroid-dependent improvement). Causes of atypical optic neuritis include connective tissue diseases (eg, lupus), vasculitis, sarcoidosis, or neuromyelitis optica. In this manuscript, updated treatment options for both typical and atypical optic neuritis are reviewed. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, therapeutic plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy are all discussed with commentary regarding evidence-based outcomes. Less commonly used treatments and novel purported therapies for optic neuritis are also reviewed. Special scenarios in the treatment of optic neuritis – pediatric optic neuritis, acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, and optic neuritis occurring during pregnancy – are specifically examined.

Keywords: optic neuritis, optic neuropathy, treatment, neuroophthalmology

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