H46-H48: Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways
H46: Optic neuritis
The retina is a layer inside the eye. It contains a lot of sensory cells that can perceive light. There are sensory cells for colors and sensory cells for light and dark. The sensory cells pass the information on to the nerve cells in the optic nerve. The optic nerve can become inflamed due to other disorders or to pathogens, for example.
When the optic nerve is inflamed, the person’s vision usually gets worse quickly. The affected eye is sore, too. The pain may become more severe if one moves one’s eyes. And one may see colors in an abnormal way.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.