Saturday 14/June/2025 – 08:46 AM
LHON’s optical nerve disease is a rare genetic disorder mainly that affects males mainly and leads to a sudden loss of sight. In this report, it is known for its causes, symptoms, diagnostic and treatment methods.
What is LHON’s genetic nerve disease?
According to the National Institute, the doctors explained that the genetic optic nervousness of Lieber is a rare genetic disease that causes sudden loss of sight as a result of optic nerve damage, this disorder is a mitochondria diseases, and is transmitted through the mother carrying genetic mutations, but it affects males much more than females.
Why does LHON only affect males?
Although LHON’s genetic mutation is inherited by the mother, males are more likely to develop the disease for reasons that are still under discussion. It is estimated that about 50% of males carrying genetic mutations suffer from vision, compared to only 10% of females, and it is believed that there are environmental and hormonal factors (such as the effect of estrogen) reduces the risk of symptoms in females.
Symptoms of the disease
• Sudden visual loss in one eye, followed by a loss in the other eye within weeks or months
• Central or dark central vision
• Difficulty distinguishing colors and details
• It is not usually accompanied by pain in the eye
• It may gradually exacerbate until it leads to legal blindness
Diagnosis methods
• Full eye examination, retinal imaging and optic nerve
• Metochondria DNA test to determine the mutation
• Excluding other reasons for visual loss, such as multiple sclerosis
Treatment options currently available
There is no completely healing treatment yet, but some options are under use or experience:
• IDEBENONE (RAXONE): It helps to improve vision in some patients, especially if it starts early.
• Genetic therapy: such as GT005 or Lenadogene Nolparvovec, is currently clinical trials.
• antioxidant nutritional supplements
• Optical and qualification support to adapt the patient with poor eyesight
Can it be prevented?
The disease cannot be prevented in mutation holders, but it is recommended to avoid some factors that may increase the appearance of symptoms, such as:
Smoking
• Eat alcohol in large quantities
• Some toxic medications for optic nerves
LHON disease is a real challenge to families that carry the mutations that cause it, especially in the absence of conclusive treatment, so early diagnosis and psychological and technical support for the injured is an urgent necessity to improve the quality of their lives, and current scientific research remains the greatest hope in reaching effective treatments in the near future.
