Hormonal imbalances or deficiencies are not traditionally thought of
as causes of optic nerve damage. Glaucoma can certainly contribute,
however, with its increasing intraocular pressure and resultant
pressure on the optic nerve.
Damage to the optic nerve can occur when a swollen eye compresses it.
One common reason is Grave?s disease, caused by an excess of thyroid
hormones. ?When swelling occurs within the orbit, the optic nerve can
become crushed, resulting in loss of vision.?
Other disorders of the optic nerve include optic neuritis
(inflammation of the nerve), optic neuropathy (damage to the nerve),
and papilledema (pressure in or around the brain causing compression
to the nerve where it enters the eye). Neuritis can be caused by
?viral infection (especially in children), vaccination, meningitis,
syphilis, certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and
intraocular [within the eye] inflammation.? Neuropathy occurs as a
result of diminished blood supply (as in atherosclerosis or
vasculitis), certain toxins (such as lead, methanol, ethylene
glycol?antifreeze, among others), and nutritional deficiencies,
especially vitamin B12.
