Which of the following is a common finding in optic neuritis?

In optic neuritis, a common finding is the decreased pupillary light reaction, specifically characterized by a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). This occurs due to inflammation of the optic nerve, which impairs the transmission of visual signals from the retina to the brain. When light is shone in the affected eye, the response is weaker compared to the unaffected eye because the optic nerve is unable to conduct light stimuli effectively. As a result, when comparing both eyes, there will be a relative afferent defect noted, indicating that the affected eye is not responding as strongly as it should.

The other options do not align with the typical presentations associated with optic neuritis. Increased pupillary light reaction would suggest that the optic nerve is functioning properly, which contradicts the condition. Unilateral viewing paralysis is not a recognized symptom of optic neuritis and typically refers to issues with eye movement or tracking rather than visual perception. Field enhancement in vision, which may suggest an improvement in visual fields or an increase in acuity, is not characteristic of optic neuritis, where patients often experience visual blurring or loss. Thus, the presence of a decreased pupillary light reaction with a relative afferent pupillary defect is the hallmark finding associated