Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Images in a Family with the Mitochondrial DNA T8993C Mutation

Abstract

High levels of T8993C mutant load were associated with severe neurologic or visual dysfunction, while lower levels caused no detectable abnormalities. Visual function was better in patients with a contiguous and regular cone mosaic. Patients expressing high levels of the mtDNA T8993C mutation show abnormal cone structure, suggesting normal mitochondrial DNA is necessary for normal waveguiding by cones.