title: Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: a genetic disorder of the eye.
abstract: Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy is a rare, maternal linked, genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive bilateral optic nerve degeneration. Male offspring are predominately affected, and blindness occurs during the second or third decade of life. There is no known treatment; however, individuals affected early in life may show some visual recovery in later years. These patients require a supportive and caring environment to assist them, as this disease often results in devastating life style changes.
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic, Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, S.C. 29209, USA.
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Hackett
mesh_terms: D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015418:Optic Atrophies, Hereditary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*