[Response to idebenone and multivitamin therapy in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy].

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the efficacy of idebenone and multivitamin treatment in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

METHOD: Two patients diagnosed of unilateral LHON were treated with megadoses of idebenone, vitamin C and riboflavin for one year. They were examined clinically before, during and after treatment.

RESULTS

No improvement of visual function was observed. Despite the idebenone treatment, in both cases the second eye became involved.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite previous reports of visual recovery with idebenone in patients with LHON, our experience shows that an effective treatment for Leber's disease remains to be found.