[Research progression of animal models of idiopathic optic neuritis].

Idiopathic optic neuritis (ON) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of the optic nerve. The two most common types of ON are multiple sclerosis related ON and neuromyelitis optica related ON. But so far the precise mechanisms of different types of ON have been unclear and treatments are not satisfactory. Animal disease models play critical roles in the disease mechanism research. On the other hand, with more understanding about the etiology and mechanism of ON, new models mimicking different types of ON are under development. This article reviews the recent research progression of animal models of multiple sclerosis related ON and neuromyelitis optica related ON and the model evaluation methods. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 316-320).