[Differential diagnosis of hereditary optic atrophy (author's transl)]

The problem of differential diagnosis is discussed with regard to Leber's optic atrophy and dominant optic atrophy occurring in childhood. The discussion is based on case reports on four members of the same family who were affected at very different ages and in whom the disease developed differently. Various symptoms are compared with data already published. It is impossible to classify the members of this family according to any particular group on the basis of these data.