How Genetic Changes Cause LHON Vision Loss Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy is caused by pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA, especially in genes that support the energy needs of optic nerve cells. When these mutations impair mitochondrial energy generation, cells in the optic nerve lose function and die, leading to painless central vision loss. Although researchers continue to study exactly how these gene changes trigger cell death, it’s clear that the failure of energy production and increased oxidative stress play central roles. Read more: http://idebenone.org