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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffRisk factors for optic neuritis arising from autoimmune disorders include:
- Age. Optic neuritis most often affects young adults ages 20 to 45 years. The average age of onset is about 30 years. Older people or children also can develop optic neuritis, but it occurs less frequently in these groups.
- Sex. Women are twice as likely to develop optic neuritis.
- Race. Optic neuritis occurs more in whites.
- Genetic mutations. Certain genetic mutations may increase your risk of developing optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis.
References
- Germann CA, et al. Ophthalmic diagnoses in the ED: Optic neuritis. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2007;25:834.
- Asturias EJ, et al. Postinfectious and vaccine-related encephalitis. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2004:307.
- Degenhardt A. Optic neuritis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008:646.
- Osborne B. Optic neuritis: Pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
- Osborne B. Optic neuritis: Prognosis and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
- Multiple sclerosis risk after optic neuritis: Final Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial follow-up. Archives of Neurology. 2008;65:727.
- Optic neuritis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec20/ch235/ch235c.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Weinshenker BG, et al. Neuromyelitis optica IgG predicts relapse following longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Annals of Neurology. 2006;59:566.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Polymyalgia/default.asp#poly6. Accessed Jan. 8, 2009.
- Olek MJ. Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
