Which symptom is particularly associated with optic neuritis?

Which symptom is particularly associated with optic neuritis?

• A. Pain with eye movements
• B. Double vision
• C. Eyelid drooping
• D. Blurry central vision only

Answer: (A)

Pain with eye movements is a hallmark feature of optic neuritis. The inflammation of the optic nerve makes the nerve hypersensitive to movement, so when the eye moves, the traction on the irritated nerve causes noticeable pain. This pain is typically accompanied by a subacute decrease in vision in one eye and often a reduced color vision, with an afferent pupillary defect. Double vision usually points to a problem with the extraocular muscles or their nerve supply rather than the optic nerve. Eyelid drooping suggests a third-nerve palsy or Horner syndrome, not optic neuritis. Blurry central vision can occur with optic neuritis, but the accompanying eye-movement pain is the classic, distinctive feature that best fits this condition.

Pain with eye movements is a hallmark feature of optic neuritis. The inflammation of the optic nerve makes the nerve hypersensitive to movement, so when the eye moves, the traction on the irritated nerve causes noticeable pain. This pain is typically accompanied by a subacute decrease in vision in one eye and often a reduced color vision, with an afferent pupillary defect.

Double vision usually points to a problem with the extraocular muscles or their nerve supply rather than the optic nerve. Eyelid drooping suggests a third-nerve palsy or Horner syndrome, not optic neuritis. Blurry central vision can occur with optic neuritis, but the accompanying eye-movement pain is the classic, distinctive feature that best fits this condition.