Optic Neuritis

In this interview with Dr. Collin McClelland, Dr. John Chen discusses recent changes in the neuro-ophthalmologist's understanding of optic neuritis and why it is so important to get a proper diagnosis. Traditionally, optic neuritis was diagnosed using an MRI of the brain, and the prescription of steroids was a common treatment. However, it is now known that optic neuritis can be associated with several different conditions—including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD)—for which the treatments and prognoses are completely different. Thus, making a proper diagnosis is critical. To that end, Dr. Chen recommends all patients with optic neuritis undergo aquaporin-4 and MOG antibody testing.

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Collin McClelland discloses no financial relationships. Dr. John Chen discloses financial relationships with Horizon Therapeutics and UCB (Consultant/Advisor).