LHON

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a genetic condition that causes sudden, severe loss of central vision, usually in young adults. It results from mutations in mitochondrial DNA, impairing the energy production in nerve cells that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. This energy shortage damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. While some individuals experience partial recovery, most remain with permanent central vision impairment. LHON typically affects one eye first, then the other, and there is currently no universally effective treatment, although research is ongoing into potential therapies.