Chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy

A rare inflammatory optic neuropathy characterized by severe and persistent pain followed by subacute visual loss, a relapsing-remitting course, and steroid-dependence. Involvement of both optic nerves is common and is usually sequential. Serum antibodies against aquaporin 4 are absent in most cases. Magnetic resonance imaging shows contrast enhancement of the acutely inflamed optic nerves.