Prevalence of Optic Neuritis and Corticosteroid Use in Adults in the United States, 2016-2024

Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory disorder of the optic nerve that can result in acute visual loss. Although ON is commonly diagnosed among women and middle-aged adults, epidemiologic data in the United States (US) are limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of ON, sociodemographic characteristics, and corticosteroid use among adult ON patients in the US.

This study analyzed 2016-2024 Merative MarketScan Commercial healthcare claims data. Annual prevalence was calculated, and descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize prevalence among adults (18-64) and to characterize ON patients. ON treatment with intravenous corticosteroids within seven days of the ON visit was also evaluated.

The annual prevalence of ON among commercial insurance enrollees remained stable from 39.46 per 100,000 enrollees in 2016 to 41.32 per 100,000 in 2024. Higher prevalence was consistently observed among females, individuals aged 41-64 years, and residents of the Northeast and North Central regions. The proportion of ON patients with multiple sclerosis remained similar across years (36.32%-42.11%). The rate of corticosteroid treatment following ON-related visits was low (range 2.93%-4.62%).

In this population-based study, the prevalence of ON remained stable over time among commercially insured US adults, with consistent differences observed by sex, age, and geographic region. These findings provide important epidemiologic evidence and highlight the need for further research to better understand clinical management and care pathways following ON diagnosis.