Diagnosis criteria developed for optic neuritis

Researchers have developed diagnostic criteria for optic neuritis that could reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and improve management of the condition.

The study was led by Dr Axel Petzold, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital and consultant neurologist at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, and published in the Lancet Neurology.

Petzold assessed real life clinical scenarios to develop diagnostic criteria outlining the clinical feature of possible optic neuritis and said further imaging and biomarker tests could inform a diagnosis.

‘Our study attempts to internationalise and classify the many syndromes that can manifest as optic neuritis. We hope our classification will lead to the identification of yet more immunological causes of optic neuritis and ensure uniformity in identifying sub-types of optic neuritis. I’m hopeful that the criteria we have developed will lead to a consensus on how to design treatment trials for optic neuritis in the future,’ Petzold said.