What should one eat for optic neuritis?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

Optic neuritis is generally caused by the demyelination of the optic nerve, presenting as a clinical syndrome. Patients mainly exhibit significant vision loss, which can affect one or both eyes. It is crucial for those suffering from optic neuritis to receive timely treatment, including the consumption of group B vitamins and corticosteroid medications. Dietary considerations are also important: first, patients should consume foods rich in B vitamins, which include lean meats, fish, soybeans, buckwheat, corn, millet, and sorghum, all of which contain abundant B vitamins. Second, a higher intake of fresh vegetables and fruits is advised, as these contain plenty of folic acid and vitamins, which can aid in the recovery from optic neuritis. Third, the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12, essential for the formation of myelin in the optic nerve, is also important.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 3sec home-news-image

How is optic neuritis diagnosed?

Optic neuritis is classified as an ophthalmological or neurological disorder, caused by demyelination of the central nervous system. Diagnosis of this condition is crucial, and the following tests are recommended: Firstly, visual evoked potentials should be performed. This test can clearly show the corresponding lesions in the optic nerve. Secondly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the optic nerve is needed. MRI can reveal changes in the optic nerve, such as thickening and edema. Thirdly, some blood tests related to bleeding should be conducted. Specifically, testing for aquaporin-4 antibodies to determine if it is neuromyelitis optica. Additionally, a lumbar puncture is also necessary. This primarily aims to check for demyelination markers, such as oligoclonal bands. Once optic neuritis is diagnosed, timely treatment is required, mainly using corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
58sec home-news-image

Why does optic neuritis keep recurring?

The recurrence rate of optic neuritis is quite high because this disease is a type of demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, caused by an immune dysfunction in the body. This immune dysfunction produces abnormal antibodies which attack the optic nerve, as well as the brain and spinal cord, leading to a variety of clinical manifestations. Therefore, as long as the patient's immune function is disordered and not corrected, recurrence is very likely to occur. To prevent the recurrence of optic neuritis, the main aspects include: First, regular physical exercise should be done to enhance physical fitness. Second, it is crucial to follow the doctor's advice and take corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants for a long time, which can help suppress the immune dysfunction. Third, dietary habits should also be carefully managed, with an increased intake of fresh vegetables and fruits and avoiding spicy and stimulating foods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
54sec home-news-image

What vitamins to take for optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is primarily caused by the demyelination of the optic nerve. It is a type of central nervous system demyelinating disease. Therefore, patients with optic neuritis can take some vitamins, mainly B vitamins, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, etc. These can nourish the nerves and promote the regeneration of the myelin sheath. In addition, patients with optic neuritis also need to use some corticosteroids. Corticosteroids mainly suppress the immune response and inhibit the body's antibodies from damaging the myelin sheath of the optic nerve, playing a very important role in foundational treatment. Additionally, some severe cases of optic neuritis may even require the use of immunoglobulin and other immunosuppressive agents are also used in patients with optic neuritis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
59sec home-news-image

Can optic neuritis patients run?

Patients with optic neuritis generally suffer from demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. In addition to optic neuritis, it can also affect the spinal cord, causing inflammation of the spinal cord. The nature of this disease is caused by the disorder of the body’s immune function. During the acute phase of the disease, the body is relatively weak, and the immune function is disordered; it is suitable for rest in bed. It is not recommended to engage in high-intensity exercise like running, as it is not beneficial for the recovery of the disease; this stage should focus on rest. If optic neuritis has been treated with corticosteroids and other treatments and the clinical symptoms have alleviated, and the patient's physical function has significantly recovered, it is then advisable to engage in running to exercise the body and enhance physical fitness. Participating in these physical activities can improve the patient's immune function and may prevent another attack.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 6sec home-news-image

What tests are done for optic neuritis?

Optic neuritis is generally caused by demyelinating diseases, including common conditions such as neuromyelitis optica, multiple sclerosis, and retrobulbar neuritis. These diseases can severely impact the patient's vision and create significant burdens. Typically, examinations of the optic nerve are required, covering several aspects. First, an examination of the fundus is necessary, generally using an ophthalmoscope or other devices to observe the optic disc and surrounding blood vessels, which is very important. Second, a visual evoked potential test can be conducted. This test helps assess whether there is damage to the optic nerve and the severity of the damage. Third, it is necessary to complete an MRI of the optic nerve. Evaluations might include a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid, and complete tests related to water channels, protein antibodies, oligoclonal bands, etc., to help confirm the diagnosis.