The result is a loss of vision, which may vary from a small blind spot to total blindness within a day or two. Sometimes, the loss is permanent. The person may or may not feel pain. The treatment depends on the cause. Often, corticosteroids are given as the first therapy.
Several conditions can inflame and thus damage the area.
Often multiple sclerosis is the cause. But several other conditions can also trigger retrobulbar neuritis. Sometimes the cause isn't discovered. Retrobulbar neuritis rapidly produces a loss of vision, and eye movement becomes painful. An examination with an ophthalmoscope reveals little or no change in the portion of the optic nerve visible at the back of the eye.