International study on first-time acute optic neuritis

The Acute Optic Neuritis Network (ACON): a Non-interventional Prospective Multicenter Study on Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Optic Neuritis

Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecul · NCT05605951

This study is testing how the timing of corticosteroid treatment affects vision in people having their first episode of acute optic neuritis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorExperimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecul (other)
Locations26 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 25 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05605951 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate subjects experiencing their first episode of acute optic neuritis (ON) to understand the impact of corticosteroid treatment timing on visual outcomes. Participants will undergo a series of clinical examinations, including neurovisual tests, serum and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study will categorize patients based on their specific conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated ON or antibody-positive ON, and assess various clinical and laboratory biomarkers. The primary focus is to evaluate visual acuity at six months post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are experiencing their first-ever acute optic neuritis with symptom onset within the last 30 days.

Not a fit: Patients with prior demyelinating diagnoses or other forms of optic neuropathy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for acute optic neuritis, enhancing visual outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific investigation into treatment timing and its effects on visual outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* First-ever acute ON
* Onset of visual symptoms within maximum of 30 days
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Ability to give written informed consent
* Presence of written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* MRI contraindication
* Prior demyelinating diagnosis
* Diagnosis of other forms of optic neuropathy (hereditary, granulomatous, infectious, infiltrative, toxic)
* Pregnancy at inclusion
* Relevant other diseases that conflict with study participation according to protocol
* Inability to cooperate

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado and 25 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Demyelinating Diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Attack, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-associated Disease, Optic Neuritis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.