Visual Function Fifteen
Years After Optic Neuritis:
A Final Follow-up Report From the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial
From Ophthalmology, June 2008
“Patients with multiple sclerosis were more likely to have
abnormal visual function than were patients without MS in both
the affected and fellow eyes.”
“After a five-year hiatus, we reexamined the cohort marking
fifteen to eighteen years of follow-up.”
“Those who develop MS are more likely than those who do not
develop MS to exhibit abnormal findings on tests of visual
function. However, even in those with MS, vision is normal
about 60% of the time.”
“After the initial period of recovery after an acute episode
of optic neuritis, visual acuity remains stable in most patients
over fifteen years. Treatment of acute optic neuritis with
high-dose intravenous corticosteroids does not alter the long-term
visual course, although it shortens the initial recovery period.”
“In summary, patients who experience an attack of acute idiopathic
or demyelinating optic neuritis can be advised that the long-term
visual prognosis is favorable, even if MS develops.”
M & T Commentary:
This is important knowledge which all optometrists should
have at their fingertips. Thankfully, it is encouraging news.
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