There is growing evidence for the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the toxic optic neuropathies. Due to the structural similarities between antibiotic targets and mitochondrial machinery, several antibiotics known to cause optic neuropathy have deleterious effects on mitochondrial function. We review the literature on the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management of antibiotic induced toxic optic neuropathies. The effect of these antibiotics on mitochondrial function in regard to the optic nerve is discussed.
Keywords: Toxic optic neuropathy; antibiotic-induced optic neuropathy; ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy; linezolid-induced optic neuropathy; mitochondrial optic neuropathy.