Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Leber's Optic Atrophy is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Hereditary Optic Neuroretinopathy
• Leber's Disease
• Leber's Optic Neuropathy (LHON)

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Leber’s Optic Atrophy is a rare inherited disorder of the eye that is characterized by the slow, painless, progressive loss of vision in one eye. Within a few weeks or months, the other eye often becomes involved. In most cases, visual loss is permanent. In some cases, affected individuals may experience recurrent headaches and gradual deterioration of the nerves of the eye (optic atrophy). Leber’s Optic Atrophy is inherited due to abnormal changes in genetic material (mutation[s]) found within the unique DNA of mitochondria (mtDNA). Mitochondria, which are found by the hundreds in the cells of the body, particularly in muscle and nerve tissue, carry the blueprints for regulating energy production.