A social worker called requesting information on retrobulbar neuritis, with which her friend was recently diagnosed. The caller was also wondering if this disorder could be related to cocaine use four to five year's prior. Retrobulbar neuritis, also known as optic neuritis, is defined as inflammation or degeneration of the optic nerve or destruction of its protective coating. The main symptom is a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Impaired color vision, painful eye movements, or a decrease in the total area seen may also occur.
Patients usually recover vision within three to six weeks.
In many of the remaining cases of optic neuritis the cause is unknown. However, optic neuritis has also been associated with high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, infections, cancer and sinus inflammation. The medical literature reports five cases of optic neuritis in active cocaine users. All five patients had inflammation of the sinuses and tissues near the optic nerve. Information on optic neuritis in previous cocaine users is lacking.