Causes Of Optic Neuritis

Mumps And Measles

Viral infections, most notably mumps and measles, have also been shown to cause inflammation and sometimes permanent damage in the body. Measles is a highly contagious, infectious virus that usually only presents in developing countries. However, it has reemerged in developed countries in recent years as fewer individuals utilize the vaccine. In addition to its presentation on the skin, it also causes a runny nose, cough, and inflammation in the eyes.

Mumps is another infectious viral infection that leads to optic neuritis. This virus causes swelling, typically in the glands around the throat. Though it is most common in children, it can also affect adults. Vision problems are not as prevalent in mumps cases, but if the infection spreads, the optic nerve can become impaired.

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Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is also linked to optic neuritis. This rare neurological disorder is also characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues, this time in the peripheral nervous system, which is made up of nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Guillain-Barre syndrome comes in varying degrees, from mild to severe, even causing paralysis. It can affect anyone at any age, and researchers are still unsure of its precise causes. Weakness in the appendages of the body begin to present and, within two weeks, a patient can experience problems with swallowing and vision due to the attack on the optic nerve.

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