Leber congenital amaurosis

Disease Overview

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is an eye disorder that primarily affects the retina. People with this condition typically have severe visual impairment beginning in infancy. Other features include photophobia, involuntary movements of the eyes (nystagmus), and extreme farsightedness. The pupils also do not react normally to light. Additionally, the cornea may be cone-shaped and abnormally thin (keratoconus). Franceschetti’s oculo-digital sign is characteristic of Leber congenital amaurosis. This sign consists of poking, pressing, and rubbing the eyes with a knuckle or finger.[3454] Different subtypes have been described. The different subtypes are caused by mutations in different genes. Some of these subtypes are also distinguished by their patterns of vision loss and related eye abnormalities. Treatment includes correction farsightedness and use of low-vision aids when possible.[5358]

Synonyms

• LCA
• Congenital absence of the rods and cones
• Congenital retinal blindness
• Leber's amaurosis
• Leber's congenital tapetoretinal degeneration
• Leber's congenital tapetoretinal dysplasia
• Amaurosis congenita of Leber