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  • Should I be tested for Leber’s disease?


    Question:

    Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy runs in my family. My aunt and cousin have both been diagnosed and are now legally blind. My mother was tested and was negative—should I be tested as well?


    Answer:

    Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (a disease that causes the optic nerve to rapidly degenerate) has a maternal inheritance. So if your mother is negative, then you will not be affected.


    Answered By:

    Diseases