eye disorders
Hereditary Optic Nerve Disorders
Introduction
Dominant optic atrophy and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy are uncommon inherited disorders that damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Vision loss affects both eyes and usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can develop at any age. Dominant optic atrophy causes gradual slow vision loss over years to decades, while Leber hereditary optic neuropathy causes more rapid vision loss over weeks to months. People may rarely have abnormal heart or nervous system function. Diagnosis is by a doctor's evaluation and sometimes confirmed by genetic testing. The disorders cannot be reversed, but measures are taken to aid vision. (See also Overview of Optic Nerve Disorders .) 