Optic Neuritis Treatment and Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Optic neuritis is a condition that affects young adults, especially women, causing inflammation in the optic nerve. It's the second most common acquired optic nerve disorder in people under 50. While visual recovery is generally good, it's rarely complete, and most patients continue to show signs of optic nerve damage. Before the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT), there were no established guidelines for treating optic neuritis. This study, known as the Longitudinal Optic Neuritis Study (LONS), aims to provide a clearer understanding of the condition and its treatment, potentially improving care for those affected. In this study, participants are assigned to one of three treatment groups at 15 clinical centers in the United States. The groups receive either oral prednisone for 14 days, intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days followed by oral prednisone for 11 days, or a placebo for 14 days. The recovery and long-term visual outcomes are evaluated through measures of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and visual field at baseline, at seven follow-up visits in the first 6 months, and then yearly. A standardized neurological examination is also conducted at baseline, after 6 months, and then annually.