Chronic retrobulbar and chiasmal neuritis.

AcuTE retrobulbar neuritis is a common disorder, easily recognized if the characteristic features are known, and usually followed by a good recovery of vision. In contrast to this, chronic retrobulbar neuritis is relatively rare, presents problems in differential diagnosis and is associated with progressive visual disturbance which is usually permanent and sometimes severe. This paper is based on a clinical study of patients under observation for at least 2 years. It will be emphasized that progressive visual failure does occur in multiple sclerosis and may contribute to the disability in that disease.