Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve, the pathway that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. When this nerve becomes inflamed, visual signals are disrupted, leading to sudden changes in vision. Symptoms can range from blurred or dim vision to faded colors or reduced night vision.
Optic neuritis often improves over weeks to months, but some people are left with lingering issues such as reduced contrast or color perception. Repeated episodes can increase the risk of permanent optic nerve damage (optic nerve atrophy)
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of eye and neurological testing to confirm inflammation and rule out other causes:
Most cases of optic neuritis are linked to immune system dysfunction and inflammation.
Common causes include:
Optic neuritis most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 and 45, especially those with a personal or family history of autoimmune disease.
Western medical treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and managing underlying conditions:
Steroids may shorten recovery time, but they do not always change the final visual outcome.
Ophthalmic acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting optic nerve recovery. Acupuncture is designed to increase blood flow to the eyes and optic nerve, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to inflamed tissues while calming immune overactivity.
This integrative approach may help:
When combined with appropriate herbal therapy, nutritional support, and lifestyle guidance, acupuncture aims to support the body’s natural healing response and help preserve long-term optic nerve health.
If you’ve been diagnosed with optic neuritis or are experiencing sudden vision changes, contact our clinic to learn how we may support your recovery.
Anyone that has diabetes, whether it be Type 1 or Type 2, can develop diabetic retinopathy. The longer someone has diabetes and the more severe it is, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Risk also increases in people with uncontrolled high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on correcting the underlying issue that leads to the deterioration of your retinal health. We know that the eye issue did not progress on its own, thus we must address the overall health and any underlying organ dysfunction(s) to ensure proper eye health as well.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can strengthen the body’s organ system to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Because diabetic retinopathy is a result of complications of diabetes. TCM treatment will often focus on strengthening the pancreas and spleen. This often involves using herbal medicine to help manage blood sugar levels to strengthen the body. Lifestyle and dietary recommendations are important to ensure proper blood circulation and reduce any inflammation and oxidative stress.
To focus on the eye directly, TCM treatments aim to slow down or stop the tiny blood vessels from bleeding, drain fluids from the eyes and promote newly oxygenated blood through the retina. The importance is enhancing proper circulation to the retina and its surrounding structures. This is done by a customized tailored treatment plan that includes a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
