What condition is characterized by demyelinating inflammation of the optic nerve?

Optic neuritis is characterized by the demyelinating inflammation of the optic nerve, which often leads to symptoms such as sudden vision loss or changes in vision, typically accompanied by pain that worsens with eye movement. This condition is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), as MS is a demyelinating disorder that affects the central nervous system, including the optic nerve. The inflammatory process damages the myelin sheath surrounding the optic nerve, which is crucial for the proper transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain.

In contrast, retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disorder affecting the retina and leading to progressive vision loss, but it does not involve the optic nerve's demyelination. Primary open-angle glaucoma refers to a buildup of pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve but is not primarily an inflammatory condition. Macular degeneration is an age-related condition affecting the macula and resulting in central vision loss, but again, it does not involve inflammation or demyelination of the optic nerve. Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify why optic neuritis is the specific condition characterized by the demyelination of the optic nerve.