[MIM*535000] degeneration of the optic nerve and papillomacular bundle with resulting loss of central vision and blindness, progressive for several weeks, then usually becoming stationary with permanent central scotoma; the age of onset is variable, most often in the third decade; more males than females are affected. Mitochondrial or cytoplasmic inheritance through the maternal lineage, caused by mutation in the mitochondrial gene(s) acting autonomously or in association with each other. SYN: Leber optic neuropathy.