Quote from daniel.kraus on March 27, 2026, 7:57 am

LHON (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) is a rare, inherited mitochondrial disorder that primarily affects the optic nerve, leading to sudden, painless vision loss.

Quick overview:

• Inherited through the maternal line (mitochondrial DNA)
• Most commonly affects young men (ages 15–35)
• Onset: rapid vision loss in one eye, with the second eye often affected weeks later
• Cause: mutations in mitochondrial genes → impaired energy supply to optic nerve cells
• Result: degeneration of retinal ganglion cells → permanent visual impairment
• No cure, but early treatment (e.g., idebenone) may influence the course

Typical signs: central visual field defects, washed-out color perception, while peripheral vision often remains preserved.

LHON belongs to the group of mitochondrial optic neuropathies.