How does optic neuritis present?

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that tends to occur in younger people, and is associated with multiple sclerosis (but is NOT necessarily MS). Patients present with acute loss of vision. The optic nerve may look inflamed, but often doesn’t because the nerve is affected further back up the nerve. Signs of optic neuritis include:

• A vast decrease in color vision and contrast sensitivity
• Central scotomas
• Worsening symptoms in hot conditions (the Uthoff symptom)
• Possible pain with eye movement