What inherited cause of optic atrophy involves a triad of conditions?

The correct choice, DIDMOAD syndrome, also known as Wolfram syndrome, is characterized by a specific triad of clinical features: diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and bilateral deafness. The presence of these three traits is crucial for a diagnosis, making DIDMOAD syndrome a classic inherited cause of optic atrophy.

In this context, the defects in mitochondrial function lead to the degeneration of the optic nerve, resulting in optic atrophy, which ties into the broader spectrum of conditions that can affect nerve tissues due to mitochondrial dysfunction. While mitochondrial disorders can cause optic atrophy, they do not consistently present with the specific triad seen in DIDMOAD syndrome.

Friedreich's ataxia is a hereditary degenerative disease predominantly affecting the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Although it can lead to various symptoms, optic atrophy is not a defining characteristic of this condition.

Acquired retinal damage is a result of external factors or diseases rather than an inherited condition and does not fit the description of an inherited syndrome involving a triad of features. Thus, the specific details and the unique triad associated with DIDMOAD syndrome confirm why it is the appropriate answer in this scenario.