Infectious Optic Neuropathies

Various infectious diseases lead to different forms of optic neuropathy, resulting in visual impairments of varying severity. In cases of suspected infectious optic neuropathy, diagnosis relies on epidemiological data, medical history, systemic symptoms, and the pattern of ocular findings. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical presentation, serological tests, and polymerase chain reaction. The treatment of infectious optic neuropathies typically involves the use of antimicrobial drugs targeting the specific pathogen and/or corticosteroids to suppress the associated inflammatory reaction. The visual prognosis is generally good, but persistent severe vision loss and optic atrophy can also occur. This review will focus on the clinical presentations of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal agents reported to cause infectious optic neuropathy.