I recently came across this news article about research into medical treatment for Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). Leber’s is an inherited retinal disease that causes visual impairment ranging from reduced vision to complete blindness. The article reports that an international research project is showing significant progress in restoring vision to patients with LCA. It seems that the retinal cells initially are not dead but instead are dormant, and this medication can “wake” certain cells up, leading in some cases to improved visual function. The study included 14 people, who in some cases reported an increase in visual acuity or in their peripheral field of vision. This article from the McGill University Health Centre has more details about the study, which was published in The Lancet: MUHC researcher unveils novel treatment for a form of childhood blindness.
You can connect with other parents of children who have Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis on the FamilyConnect message boards.