Serial fluorescein photography in acute retrobulbar neuritis.

Fluorescein fundus photography is of value in the detection of early papilloedema (David, Heyman, and Hart, 1963; Miller, Saunders, and Ffytche, 1965). We have applied this technique to the serial study of patients with acute retrobulbar neuritis. This disorder is usually unilateral and the unaffected eye could be used as a control. Also, since papilloedema is not present at the onset of symptoms and the condition is self-limiting, it has been possible to follow in serial studies the evolution and resolution of the disc oedema. Clinical papilloedema is detected in about half the patients with acute retrobulbar neuritis. Fluorescein photography might be expected to reveal abnormalities when there is no visible ophthalmoscopic change and this has also been investigated.