Question:

I`ve had a sudden blurred vision in my right eye and was tested by an Optometrist. She indicated that I had inflammation of the Optic Nerve and it was probably (NAION). I`ve been reading a lot about NAION and have an appointment scheduled with an Neuro-Ophthalmologist. The appointment is not for another 2 weeks. I`m just wondering if an inflammation of the Optic Nerve and the associated blurred vision can something less serious, where the inflammation reduces and the vision is restored?

Answer:

There are multiple inflammatory conditions that can affect the optic nerve of an eye. Typically a non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) will occur around 55-70 years of age and is associated with permanent damage to the optic nerve.

Optic neuritis is a condition in which an affected individual will have reduced vision during the event, but the inflammation will subside and visual function will return to a level that may be somewhat close to what it had been. This condition tends to have a relationship with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Since I do not have your demographic information is difficult to say which condition you may have, however, since your optometrist diagnosed NAION I suspect you will unfortunately have permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

For more information:

Go to the Eye and Vision Care health topic.