The authors present results of retrospective clinical study of 34 patients with the first attack of acute optic neuritis followed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Hradec Králové. The follow-up period ranged between 22–135 months (mean 99 months). Visual functions were deteriorated in all patients. Visual acuity ranged between 0.8 to hand movement. Central scotoma was present in 24 patients, other visual field patterns were seen in 10 patients. Recovery of visual functions was observed in 31 patients in the course of one year. Relative afferent pupillary defect was positive during the acute period in all the cases, except for two patients with bilateral symmetric damage. All patients were examined for signs of multiple sclerosis (MS). No signs have been found in 13 patients and those have remained asymptomatic during the whole follow-up period. Patients with proved MS were managed at the Department of Neurology.

        Key words: optic neuritis, visual functions, multiple sclerosis