Purpose: To study the demographics of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using a large international database of people affected by LHON.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Participants: One thousand five hundred seventeen people affected by LHON with a known pathogenic genetic mutation.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of profound vision loss on psychological well-being in adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults with regard to mood, interpersonal interactions, and career-related goals. In addition, we assessed the significance of the resources that may be used to enhance psychological well-being in cases of profound vision loss, and in particular, examined the utility of low vision aids and the role of the ophthalmologist as a provider of emotional support.
Methods: A questionnaire was issued to individuals aged 13-65 years with profound vision loss resulting from Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).
Background: Leber׳s hereditary optic neuropathy usually causes rapid bilateral blindness in young adults, and thus represents a unique and severe psychologic stressor.
Objective: We aimed to describe adjustment to this major life event, using a new tool to enhance recall of past affective states by using life event-related context. This is the largest (n = 116 with Leber׳s hereditary optic neuropathy), and first study reporting on the emotional aspects of this nontrauma cause of blindness.