Optic neuritis

Definition:

Inflammation of the optic nerve, which may cause a sudden loss of part of the vision of the affected eye

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of optic neuritis may be unknown, but it is thought to be a result of swelling and destruction of the myelin sheath of the optic nerve. The inflammation may be the result of a viral infection, autoimmune diseases, or multiple sclerosis. Risk factors are related to the possible causes. The actual incidence is not reported.