What is the expected course of vision in optic neuritis after the swelling subsides?

• A. Vision typically returns as swelling resolves
• B. Vision remains permanently decreased
• C. Vision improves only temporarily and then worsens
• D. Vision improves in 5 years on average

Answer: (A)

In optic neuritis, inflammation causes swelling of the optic nerve, leading to acute vision loss. As the inflammatory edema subsides, the damaged myelin can recover and the majority of nerve fibers remain intact, so vision improves and often returns toward baseline. That restoration typically occurs as the swelling resolves, making this the best description of the expected course. While some individuals may have lasting visual deficits if there is axonal damage, and there’s an association with MS, the common trajectory is recovery with resolution of the swelling.