Autoimmune retrobulbar optic neuritis.

Three patients, all women, ranging in age from 26 to 44 years, had acute retrobulbar neuritis and laboratory evidence of a collagen vascular disorder. These patients were treated with intravenously administered "pulse" methylprednisolone, and visual acuity recovered in three of four involved eyes. Continued oral administration of prednisone and other immunosuppressive drugs was necessary to maintain vision.