Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a type of inherited retinal condition (with similarities to retinitis pigmentosa). It affects about 1 in 80,000 people and is the most common form of inherited sight loss in children. LCA causes the specialised light-sensing photoreceptor cells at the back of the eye to stop working properly which causes vision loss.

Typically, symptoms start in early childhood and progress (get worse) over time. These include:

• Poor and declining peripheral vision (tunnel vision)
• Night blindness
• Shaking eyes (nystagmus)
• Poor pupil reactions

There are several different forms of LCA, each with a different cause so symptoms and speed of progression can differ between patients. Some forms of LCA are more common than others.

For more information about Leber congenital amaurosis the Moorfields Eye Hospital website have lots of useful information, guidance and support.