[Leber's optic neuropathy]

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is associated to mutations of the mitochondrial DNA that seem to be pathogenic of this disease. However, other genetic or environmental factors must play a role in the development of this optic atrophy. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is usually isolated. Its typical clinical feature includes in a young man a sudden and severe decrease of vision of one eye. The second eye is affected few weeks later. But, atypical feature can be observed. Thus, this diagnosis must be suspected as soon as there is no evident aetiology for an optic neuropathy, whatever the clinical feature, the age or the sex of the patient can be. There is no treatment. But visual recovery can spontaneously occurred even years after the disease appearance.