Epidemiology

The demographics and distribution of idiopathic optic neuritis (ON) reflect those of multiple sclerosis (MS). The annual incidence varies between 1 and 5 per 100,000. In Olmstead County, Minnesota, USA, the incidence of ON is 5.1 per 100,000. In Stockholm, Sweden, where the incidence of MS is high, the annual incidence of ON is 2.3 per 100,000 for females and 0.6 per 100,000 for males. The majority of patients with acute ON are aged 20 to 50 years.[4] Females are more commonly affected than males.[5]​ In the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT), 77% of patients were females, 85% were white, and mean age was approximately 33 years.[2] As for MS, the geographic distribution follows a striking latitude gradient, with higher frequency the closer the location is to the poles. Within the same geographical distribution, white people are at higher risk than other ethnic groups such as black people. The latter group, although less susceptible, tends to have more severe disease.[6]

Recent epidemiologic studies point to a more diverse etiology of ON. Although the leading cause is idiopathic ON/ON associated with MS, there is a higher than previously reported prevalence of ON associated with other inflammatory diseases and infections, including sarcoidosis, Behcet disease, giant cell arteritis, Lyme disease, etc.[3][7]​​​​

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