What is a common symptom of retrobulbar neuritis?

Unilateral pain with eye movement is recognized as a common symptom of retrobulbar neuritis. This condition involves inflammation of the optic nerve located behind the eye, and the pain typically intensifies with movements of the eye due to the increased strain placed on the affected nerve. The presence of pain differentiates this condition from other optic nerve issues, as many do not commonly present with such discomfort.

In contrast, while double vision and color vision deficiency can occur in retrobulbar neuritis due to optic nerve involvement, they are not as frequently the first symptom reported by patients compared to the eye movement pain. High intraocular pressure is not typically associated with retrobulbar neuritis but is more commonly seen in conditions like glaucoma, thus making it an unsuitable choice in this context. The hallmark of retrobulbar neuritis primarily hinges on the pain experienced with eye movements, creating a clear distinction for diagnosis and understanding of the condition.