1. Understand the Nature of the Condition
Optic neuritis often results from lesions or inflammation of the optic nerve and/or the myelin sheath surrounding that nerve. There is a plethora of potential causes for optic neuritis, including viral infections, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, exposure to radiation and adverse reactions to drug therapies. By pinpointing the root cause of your optic neuritis, you and your physician can develop a smarter plan for management and treatment.
2. Steroid Therapy
There are two types of steroid therapy often used to treat optic neuritis: oral and intravenous corticosteroids. Often, patients will receive intravenous steroids first to help with recovery of sight and then oral steroids (such as prednisone) to help the optic nerve heal. Studies suggest that a regimen of oral steroids alone may be ineffective in terms of reducing recurrence of optic neuritis symptoms.
3. Treat and Prevent the Onset of Multiple Sclerosis
In 20 percent of multiple sclerosis sufferers, optic neuritis is the first presenting symptom. If you and your doctor believe that you may be at risk for developing the condition, you can take drug therapy to reduce the likelihood of onset. These drugs include injectable drugs, such as Betaseron (Interferon beta-1b) and Avonex (Interferon Beta-1a).
4. Plasma Exchange Therapy
This method of managing optic neuritis is relatively extreme, but it works for some sufferers who fail to respond to intravenous or oral steroid programs and who still have severe or potentially total loss of vision. Plasma exchange therapy carries with it a host of ancillary medical risks, so speak with your physician in depth before trying this treatment option.
5. Immunosuppressive Therapies and Drugs
If your optic neuritis has been brought on by multiple sclerosis, you may be able to take immunosuppressive agents to reduce the likelihood of attacks and any outbreaks of symptoms.
