Demyelinating and inflammatory optic neuropathies: an update

Abstract

Optic neuritis is one of the leading causes of vision loss in young to middle-age populations worldwide. Although it has been documented to account for the initial presentation in up to one-fifth of multiple sclerosis patients among Caucasian populations, the clinical course and etiologies of the condition are less well-defined in Asians. Chinese patients have lower conversion rates to multiple sclerosis as well as a higher incidence of neuromyelitis optica-associated optic neuritis and optic perineuritis, demonstrating considerable ethnic differences. The need to better characterize the differentiating features between three clinically similar entities: multiple sclerosis-associated optic neuritis, neuromyelitis optica-associated optic neuritis and optic perineuritis, is warranted to facilitate proper management.