How to Differentiate Glaucoma from Optic Neuritis | Optometry Clinical Guide
A patient tells you, "My vision has become blurry in one eye." The optic disc looks a little unusual, the visual field is not normal, and you have to decide quickly: is this glaucoma or optic neuritis ? Both are optic neuropathies, and both can reduce vision and damage the visual field. But they have very different causes, different timelines, and very different urgency. Glaucoma is a slowly progressive disease that is usually managed by lowering eye pressure. Optic neuritis is an inflammatory attack on the optic nerve that may be the first sign of multiple sclerosis or a related neurological disease. This clinical guide explains the key differences in a clear, practical way. It is written for optometry students and practicing clinicians, and it is also useful for patients who want to understand why their eye doctor asks so many questions. Important: This article is for education only and does not replace clinical judgment or a professional examination. Suspected optic...