Optic Nerve Swelling Causes: Know the Risk Factors
Optic nerve swelling is a medical condition in which the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain becomes swollen.
It can lead to vision loss and other severe complications if left untreated.
The global incidence of optic nerve (optic neuritis) swelling is 1–5 per 100,000 annually.
Various factors can cause this condition. It can be due to an injury, infection, or tumor.
In some cases, it may also be caused by an underlying medical condition such as Diabetes or Hypertension.
This article will discuss the different causes of optic nerve swelling, its risk factors, and its complications.
We will also look at how to identify optic nerve swelling causes and when to seek medical help.
Optic Nerve Swelling Causes
To date, the exact cause of optic neuritis or optic nerve swelling is not known.
Optic nerve swelling may start when your immune system accidentally attacks the material that covers your optic nerve.
This causes inflammation and myelin damage.
Typically, the myelin facilitates the rapid passage of electrical impulses from the eye to the brain, transforming them into visual information.
This process is hampered by optic neuritis, which impacts vision.
Optic neuritis is frequently related to the autoimmune disorders listed below.
Multiple sclerosis
When you have Multiple sclerosis, the myelin coating protecting the brain’s nerve fibers is attacked by your autoimmune system.
A single episode of Optic Neuritis in a person with the condition increases their lifetime risk of multiple sclerosis by roughly 50%.
Neuromyelitis Optica
Optic nerve and spinal cord inflammation are seen in this condition.
Although Neuromyelitis Optica (NO) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are similar, Neuromyelitis Optica does not frequently harm the brain’s nerves.
However, NO is more severe than MS, resulting in a slower recovery following an attack.
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disorder
The spinal cord, brain, and optic nerve may all become inflamed due to this condition.
Similar to MS and NO, recurrent episodes of inflammation can happen.
It is typically easier to recover from MOG attacks than from neuromyelitis optical.
Symptoms
Optic neuritis commonly affects only one eye.
Other related factors need to be considered when optic neuritis symptoms are more complicated. Among them are,
Toxins and drugs
Optic neuritis has been linked to the use of some medications and toxins.
This condition is linked to the drugs Ethambutol, used to treat Tuberculosis.
It is also associated with Methanol, a frequent component of antifreeze, paints, and solvents.
Pain
Most patients with optic neuritis experience eye pain that worsens with eye movement.
Behind the eye, the pain might occasionally feel like a sharp pain.
Loss of vision in one eye
The majority of people experience transient vision loss but to varying degrees.
A noticeable vision loss typically starts over a few hours or days and improves over a few weeks or months.
Some might also experience permanent vision loss.
Visual field loss
Loss of side vision can develop in any pattern, including central or peripheral vision loss.
It is necessary to consult your doctor if you find vision impairment.
Loss of color vision
Color perception is often impacted by optic neuritis.
You can notice that the colors don’t seem as bright as usual.
Flashing lights
The perception of flashing or flickering lights in persons with optic neuritis sometimes accompanies eye movements.
Infections
Viruses like measles, mumps, and herpes can bring on optic neuritis.
These can also result from bacterial diseases, including Lyme disease, Cat scratch fever, and Syphilis.
Other illnesses
Lupus, Behcet’s illness, and Sarcoidosis are a few conditions that can lead to recurrent optic neuritis.
Also Read: You can go through the article, Recognizing and Understanding Optic Nerve Damage Symptoms.
Risk factors
The following are risk factors for developing optic neuritis,
- Age – Adults aged 20 to 40 are most frequently affected by optic neuritis
- Sex – Optic neuritis is substantially more common in women than in men
- Race – People with low melanin have a higher incidence of ocular neuritis
- Genetic changes – Your chance of getting optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis may rise due to specific genetic alterations.
Complications
Optic neuritis complications could result in,
Optic nerve damage
Most patients sustain some persistent optic nerve damage during an incident of optic neuritis.
However, the damage may not result in symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Decreased visual acuity
In a few months, most people are able to return to normal or nearly normal vision.
Yet, some people may still have some difficulty discriminating against colors.
While others continue to lose their vision.
Side effects of treatment
Your immune system is suppressed by the steroids used to treat optic neuritis, making you more vulnerable to infections.
Additional adverse effects include changes in mood and weight gain.
When to see a doctor?
Optic nerve swelling is a serious medical condition that can lead to vision loss and other complications.
Prevention is the key to avoiding this condition, and several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of optic nerve swelling.
These include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress levels, and avoiding certain medications or activities that can cause damage to the optic nerve.
Additionally, regular eye exams can help detect any early signs of optic nerve swelling so that treatment can begin quickly.
By following these preventative measures, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of developing optic nerve swelling and protect their vision.
Also Read: There are some home remedies for optic nerve swelling for which you can read Best Optic Nerve Swelling Home Remedies to Try in 2023.
Conclusion
There are several causes of optic nerve swelling, including injury, infection, tumors, and autoimmune diseases.
Injuries to the head or face can cause trauma to the optic nerve, while infections such as shingles or meningitis can cause inflammation of the nerves.
Tumors may also cause pressure on or damage to the optic nerve.
Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis can also lead to optic nerve swelling.
It is recommended to contact your doctor if you experience any possible symptoms of optic nerve swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes swelling behind the optic nerve in an adult?
Multiple Sclerosis causes optic nerve swelling. Other conditions include immune and infectious diseases, such as Lupus. Neuromyelitis optica can cause spinal cord and optic nerve inflammation in rare cases.
Does Intracranial Hypertension or Hypotension cause optic nerve swelling?
Yes, Intracranial Hypertension or Hypotension can cause optic nerve swelling. It can exert pressure on your optic nerve. Symptoms often include vision loss, blurred vision, severe headaches, and blind spots.
Can stress cause swollen optic nerves?
Yes, stress could be a cause of swollen optic nerves. Elevated cortisol levels and continuous stress can negatively impact the eye and brain. This could be due to vascular dysregulation and autonomous nervous system (sympathetic) imbalance.
What is the most common cause of swollen optic nerves?
Viral infections such as measles, mumps, and herpes, and bacterial infections, including Lyme disease and cat-scratch fever, are among the causes of swollen optic nerves.
Can a brain tumor cause swollen optic nerve?
Yes, brain tumors can cause swollen optic nerves. Eye problems can also occur when pressure within the skull causes the back of the eye to swell or when a brain tumor exerts pressure on the optic nerve.
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