Foods to avoid with optic neuritis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Optic neuritis usually causes a decline in the patient's vision, with noticeable decrease in either unilateral or bilateral vision. Commonly seen in clinical practice are simple optic neuritis, as well as optic neuritis caused by multiple sclerosis, and optic nerve pathology caused by neuromyelitis optica. Essentially, optic neuritis is an autoimmune disease, primarily caused by the demyelination of the optic nerve. In terms of diet, there are certain foods to avoid. First, spicy and stimulating foods. These types of food can disrupt the body's immune function, causing vascular nerve congestion, which is detrimental to the recovery of optic neuritis. Second, overly greasy foods. Foods that are too greasy can also affect the blood supply to the nerves, prolonging the recovery time of optic neuritis.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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What should one eat for optic neuritis?

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.

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Can people with optic neuritis eat spicy food?

Optic neuritis is essentially an inflammatory response of the immune system, primarily caused by disorders of the body's own immune functions. Patients with this condition are advised not to consume spicy foods, as these can lead to more pronounced immune dysfunction and potentially trigger these degenerative diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods. Additionally, patients with optic neuritis often need to take corticosteroids or immunosuppressants long-term, and should not consume spicy foods while on these medications. Besides avoiding spicy foods, patients with optic neuritis should also focus on eating fresh vegetables and fruits to enhance resistance and adjust immune dysfunction. Furthermore, they should consume foods high in B vitamins, such as soybeans, millet, corn, and sorghum.

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How long is the recovery period for optic neuritis?

Optic neuritis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Besides affecting the optic nerve and causing a decrease in vision, it also impacts the brain's white matter and the spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as limb paralysis, numbness, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Generally, the recovery period for optic neuritis is about six months, with the first three months being the most critical for recovery. If recovery has not occurred by six months, it is then considered a chronic phase, and further recovery becomes very challenging. It is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition promptly. Treatment primarily involves the use of corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and potentially B-group vitamins to nourish the nerves. Overall, most patients with optic neuritis can recover substantially; however, the condition is prone to relapse, and the prognosis is poor if it reoccurs.

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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.