Which statement about Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy is NOT true?

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is indeed a mitochondrial disorder, meaning it is caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA that affect energy production, primarily in retinal ganglion cells. The inheritance pattern of LHON is maternal rather than paternal, which highlights a key aspect of mitochondrial diseases where the mitochondria, and therefore the mutations leading to the condition, are inherited solely from the mother.

Individuals affected by LHON are predominantly younger males, with the condition typically presenting in young adulthood or late adolescence, which aligns with the provided context. Additionally, while many patients may experience rapid, progressive vision loss, the optic atrophy that occurs can indeed be bilateral and asymmetric, meaning that one optic nerve may be more significantly affected than the other, leading to a variable presentation of vision loss among individuals.

Understanding these aspects of LHON helps to clarify the reasons why it is crucial to correctly identify the modes of inheritance and the typical demographic affected by this condition, assisting in both diagnosis and genetic counseling.