Forum MenuForum NavigationForumMembersActivityLoginRegisterForum breadcrumbs - You are here:Rare is many — together strong through knowledge and connection.“Rare is many — together strong through knowledge and connection.”: Let's talk about everything—everyday life, worries, and, of course, the good things.LHONPost ReplyPost Reply: LHON <blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-admin" href="https://rarediseaseslensmagic1974.net/forum/profile/daniel-kraus/">daniel.kraus</a> on March 30, 2026, 7:03 am</div><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LHON (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy)</strong> is a <strong>rare, inherited mitochondrial disorder</strong> that primarily affects the <strong>optic nerve</strong>, leading to <strong>sudden, painless vision loss</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quick overview:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Inherited through the <strong>maternal line</strong> (mitochondrial DNA)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Most commonly affects <strong>young men</strong> (ages 15–35)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Onset: rapid vision loss in one eye, with the second eye often affected weeks later</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cause: mutations in mitochondrial genes → impaired energy supply to optic nerve cells</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Result: degeneration of retinal ganglion cells → permanent visual impairment</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No cure, but early treatment (e.g., idebenone) may influence the course</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Typical signs:</strong> central visual field defects, washed-out color perception, while peripheral vision often remains preserved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LHON belongs to the group of <strong>mitochondrial optic neuropathies</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote><br> Cancel Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X Like this:Like Loading...