[NF2: ocular, neural and genetic manifestations]

Neurofibromatosis 2 is an autosomal-dominant disease, which is characterized by vestibular schwannomas, cataract, retinal hamartomas as well as tumors of the peripheral and central nerve system, demonstrating a variety of expression. The ophthalmologist plays an important role in making the diagnosis, as several ocular manifestations may be shown during childhood, before tumors of the central nerve system become symptomatic. An early diagnosis of NF 2 may prevent deafness by early surgical intervention. Due to primary and secondary reasons such as age-related processes, different sensations like hearing or vision may be compromised. Neuropathy may lead to vestibular disturbances and loss of muscle control. Therapeutic options include cataract surgery, implantation of cochlear or brainstem implants as well as conservative therapy of the ocular surface in paresis of the VIIth cranial nerve or learning to read from the lips. The human NF2 gene was cloned from chromosome 22 in 1993. The major part of the genetic alterations described so far are point mutations as well as deletions or insertions in or around the exons. Geno-phenotype correlations allow some predictions of the course of the disease to be made.