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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
Published on: April 14, 2014
Bilateral idiopathic optic neuritis in pregnancy
1The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-0001, USA.
Seminars in Ophthalmology
|January 12, 2013
Summary
A pregnant woman experienced sudden vision loss due to optic nerve inflammation. Prompt treatment with methylprednisolone and spinal tap rapidly restored her sight, highlighting effective management for optic neuritis in pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Optic neuritis can cause significant vision loss.
- Pregnancy may alter the presentation or management of neurological conditions.
- Differentiating optic neuritis from other causes of vision loss is critical.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old primiparous woman at 31 weeks gestation presented with rapid, severe vision loss.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed decreased visual acuity to 20/400 OD and counting fingers OS.
- MRI showed mild bilateral optic nerve enhancement, and visual field testing indicated seco-central scotomas.
Findings:
- Extensive workup, including MR venogram, preeclampsia screening, and infectious/autoimmune serologies, yielded normal results.
- The patient received a single dose of intravenous 125 mg methylprednisolone and underwent a spinal tap.
- Post-treatment, visual acuity dramatically improved to 20/20 in both eyes.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for optic neuritis in pregnancy.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with corticosteroids can lead to excellent visual recovery.
- Management strategies for optic neuritis should consider the pregnant state, with potential benefits from combined therapies.
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