Genetic aetiology of ophthalmological manifestations in children - a focus on mitochondrial disease-related symptoms.

Purpose: To investigate the association of mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or nuclear candidate genes with mitochondrial disease-related ophthalmic manifestations (nystagmus, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, optic neuropathy and retinopathy) in children.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of children (n = 98) was identified from the medical record files of a tertiary care hospital. The entire mtDNA and nuclear genes POLG1, OPA1 and PEO1 were analysed from the available DNA samples (n = 38).