The authors report seven cases of optic neuritis in patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. All patients had severe bilateral eye disease with no or incomplete recovery. Clinical signs and symptoms of multiples sclerosis were observed in only some patients. IRM was remarkably sensitive for detecting cerebral lesions and confirming the diagnosis. In every case visual field abnormalities consisted of a diffuse defect of sensitivity with pericentral scotoma. The authors emphasize on two atypical forms, total acute neuropathy and chronic primary neuropathy.