About Optic Neuritis
Key Highlights
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Enables precise diagnosis of optic nerve inflammation through advanced imaging like OCT.Helps differentiate optic neuritis from other causes of vision loss.Facilitates early intervention, which can improve visual recovery outcomes.Critical for identifying underlying systemic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, at an early stage.Non-invasive diagnostic tests provide detailed information without surgery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Sudden onset of vision loss or blurring, typically in one eye.
- Pain with eye movement, which often precedes or accompanies vision loss.
- Loss of color vision (dyschromatopsia), where colors appear washed out.
- Presence of an afferent pupillary defect (Marcus Gunn pupil).
- Suspected demyelinating disease, such as multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).
- Unexplained visual field defects detected during an eye exam.
How to prepare
- Detailed discussion of medical history, including any neurological symptoms or prior diagnoses.
- Disclosure of all current medications, supplements, and allergies.
- No special fasting is required for the diagnostic examinations.
- Patient should be prepared for pupil dilation, which will cause temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision.
- For potential MRI scans, screening for metal implants or claustrophobia may be necessary.
- Arranging for transportation after the appointment is advised if pupils are dilated.
Risks & possible complications
- Diagnostic procedures like OCT and fundus photography are very low risk and non-invasive.
- Pupil dilation may cause temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity.
- If intravenous corticosteroid treatment is initiated, potential side effects include insomnia, mood swings, gastric irritation, and elevated blood sugar.
- Rare risks from high-dose steroids include avascular necrosis of bone or severe infection.
- Failure to identify a serious underlying condition like a tumor or autoimmune disorder.
- Potential for incomplete visual recovery or permanent visual deficit.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Visual recovery often begins within a few weeks but can take several months; some residual deficits may remain.
- If treated with IV steroids, completion of the prescribed oral steroid taper is crucial.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist and possibly a neurologist are essential.
- Monitoring for new neurological symptoms is important for managing associated conditions like MS.
- Use of sunglasses can help manage light sensitivity during recovery.
- Patients are advised to avoid driving until vision stabilizes and is deemed safe by the doctor.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months for full visual recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering optic neuritis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for optic neuritis in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform optic neuritis. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for optic neuritis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 3 Thousand – 25 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Several weeks to months for full visual recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 10.5 Thousand – 87.5 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Several weeks to months for full visual recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Optic Neuritis in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing optic neuritis.
Neha Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Neha Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer, was in the middle of a critical project deadline when she first noticed a blurry spot in the center of her right eye's vision. Over the next 48 hours, the blurriness worsened, and she developed a dull ache behind her eye that worsened with movement. Colors, especially reds, seemed washed out. Terrified she was going blind and fearing it would derail her career, she saw her ophthalmologist, Dr. Rao. After a thorough exam, including visual field testing and noting a relative afferent pupillary defect, Dr. Rao diagnosed acute optic neuritis. He explained it was likely an inflammatory demyelinating event, often linked to conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, and recommended a 3-5 day course of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone steroids to reduce inflammation and potentially speed recovery. Neha was admitted to the hospital for the IV infusions. The treatment itself was straightforward, though the steroids made her feel jittery and disrupted her sleep. Over the next few weeks, her vision gradually began to clear, starting from the periphery. While her central vision took nearly two months to fully return to normal, the pain resolved within a week of treatment. Emotionally, she cycled from sheer panic and grief over potentially losing her sight and independence, to frustration during the slow recovery, and finally to profound relief and cautious optimism. The episode left her with a newfound appreciation for her health and a proactive mindset, leading her to follow up with a neurologist for further investigation.
Ophthalmologists for Optic Neuritis
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform optic neuritis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist