causes optic neuritis
Bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, cat-scratch fever and syphilis, or viruses, such as measles, mumps and herpes, can cause optic neuritis. Other diseases. Diseases such as sarcoidosis and lupus can cause recurrent optic neuritis. Drugs. Some drugs have been associated with the development of optic neuritis. They include quinine and some antibiotics. Risk factors. Risk factors for developing optic neuritis include: Age. Optic neuritis most often affects adults ages 20 to 40. Sex.