Optic Neuritis Causes & Risks

Causes

The cause of optic neuritis is often unknown. Known causes of the diseases include:

An attack on the optic nerve by a viral infection or by the body's own immune system
Exposure to toxic substances such as lead

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chance of developing optic neuritis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

A personal or family history of multiple sclerosis
A previous history of optic neuritis

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2023 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.