Visual Function Changes in Optic Neuritis and Multiple Sclerosis

Objective To study the visual functional disorders of optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods Visual acuity,funduscopy,CT and/or MRI were assessed in cases of optic neuritis and MS patients.CSF IgG determinations and oligoclonal bands were assessed in part of them,by x 2 and t test. Results(1) 82% patients with optic neuritis had visual acuity less than 0 1 (P0 05,compared with MS). Abnormal visual function test results were commonly observed in patients with MS. 81% patients with optic neuromyelitis phenotype of MS had visual acuity less than 0 1,77% of them had visual acuity less than 0 1 in two eyes (compared with non optic neuromyelitis of MS:P0 005).(2) VEP showed the abnormalities in 80%～88% of optic neuritis and MS,in 95% optic neuromyelitis of MS,with the feature of prolonged potential time.(3)CSF oligoclonal bands were comparable,but CSF IgG synthesis rates in patients with optic neuritis were less than that in MS (P0 01). (4) The rates of visual acuity over 0.5 after high dose of corticosteroid in part of optic neuritis and MS were about 31%～33%.Conclusions Optic neuritis was a common feature of MS.The visual disorders in patients with optic neuritis and optic neuromyelitis phenotype of MS were common and serious.There were abnormal immunological responses in optic neuritis as well as in MS.So,the early diagnosis and treatment of high dose of corticosteroid for acute optic neuritis is necessary and imperative.