[New treatment option for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy: early diagnosis is required]

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is an orphan disease which leads to painless subacute loss of central vision in both eyes. It develops mainly in young adults and is more common in males. It most often leads to lifelong blindness. Idebenone has shown to have a favourable effect in promoting vision recovery in LHON-patients with recent visual impairement.

Two male LHON patients, aged 27 and 54 years of age were misdiagnosed during one year with optic neuritis and conversion disorder. The delay caused unnecessary emotional suffering and took away the opportunity of idebenone treatment. This can be prevented by greater awareness of disease characteristcs and OCT-scanning.

Therapy for LHON requires a timely diagnosis.