[Treatment of acute optic neuritis with large doses of corticosteroids]

The aim of this study is to compare two modes of treatment of acute optic neuritis (AON).

98 patients, treated between January 1992 and February 1995, after diagnosis of AON were included in this study. The diagnosis and results of treatment were determined on the basis of ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, perimetry, colour vision testing and neurological assessment. A comparison was made between the two treatment regimens of AON: oral and peribulbar injections of steroids versus intravenous administration followed by oral medication with steroids. The results are in agreement with other studies and show that intravenous steroids followed by oral steroids are more effective treatment of AON on its own or in association with MS.