Therapy
In most cases an inflammation of the optic nerve shows spontaneous healing even without therapy and the visual acuity improves again by itself. However, the underlying disease should still be identified in order to treat it. About two thirds of those affected have multiple sclerosis, which cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be improved by medication.
Anti-inflammatory drugs containing cortisone are used. If an infection caused by bacteria is the cause of the disease, special antibiotics must be used which are liquor-permeable, i.e. which can cross the blood–brain barrier and also have an effect in the brain. In children who have an inflammation of the optic nerve as a result of a viral infection, no further therapy is usually necessary and the loss of vision is reduced by itself.
Exertion and heat should be avoided in any case. Even driving a vehicle is not advisable in the case of optic nerve inflammation, as vision is very severely impaired and there is a high risk of accidents.