Acute optic neuritis: its clinical features and their relation to prognosis for recovery of vision.

Abstract

Of 73 cases of acute optic neuritis studied, 63% were female and 37% male. At the time of attack 82% were between 20 and 50 years of age. The left eye was involved in 60% of unilateral cases. Clinical features and course of attack was the same in cases with unilateral or bilateral involvement. Papilloedema or hemorrhages occurred in the affected eye in 17% of the cases while a further 24% had a blurred optic disc. Pain around the affected eye occurred in 68%. Recovery of normal vision occurred within one month in 50% of the cases and within 6 months of onset in 75%. Prognosis appeared to be worse in those over 50 and with attacks in the right eye. At the time of attacks para nasal sinus abnormalities were apparent on 28% of skull radiographs taken.