Paola

LHON, Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, is a condition that results from a mutation of the mitochondrial DNA¹, leading to blindness without visible symptoms to the eyes. A pathology so rare that even specialists are not always aware of its existence, up to the absurdity of suspicions that it is mere fiction.
We went to Rivergaro, a small town near Piacenza in northern Italy, to hear the story of Paola. She was diagnosed with LHON over thirty years ago, and today she is active in helping those who have recently received a diagnosis, even against prejudices, misbeliefs and – sometimes – bad justice.