Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve caused by infection or immune-mediated disease such as MS. Which term describes this condition?

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve caused by infection or immune-mediated disease such as MS. Which term describes this condition?

• A. Glaucoma
• B. Optic neuritis
• C. Keratitis
• D. Keratoconus

Answer: (B)

Understanding what is inflamed clarifies the name. Optic neuritis describes inflammation of the optic nerve itself, and it’s commonly linked to infection or immune-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis. That direct pairing of the affected tissue (the optic nerve) with the inflammatory process is why this term fits best for the described condition. Glaucoma refers to optic nerve damage usually from elevated eye pressure, not primarily an inflammatory process. Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, not the optic nerve. Keratoconus is a structural thinning and cone-like shaping of the cornea, not an inflammatory nerve condition. So the term that matches the description is optic neuritis.

Understanding what is inflamed clarifies the name. Optic neuritis describes inflammation of the optic nerve itself, and it’s commonly linked to infection or immune-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis. That direct pairing of the affected tissue (the optic nerve) with the inflammatory process is why this term fits best for the described condition. Glaucoma refers to optic nerve damage usually from elevated eye pressure, not primarily an inflammatory process. Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, not the optic nerve. Keratoconus is a structural thinning and cone-like shaping of the cornea, not an inflammatory nerve condition. So the term that matches the description is optic neuritis.