Leber Congenital Amaurosis, or LCA, ranks among the most severe of the inherited retinal dystrophies, presenting at birth or within a baby’s first few months and bringing substantial vision impairment from the very outset. It’s a leading identifiable cause of blindness diagnosed in infancy, so parents facing this diagnosis in India almost invariably arrive with urgent questions about cause and next steps.
Because LCA declares itself so early, evaluation looks quite different from what’s typical for adult-onset retinal disease. Speed is the priority — reaching a confirmed diagnosis without delay, identifying the responsible gene wherever feasible, and starting developmental and low-vision support for the child as promptly as possible.
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years Experience
5000+
Patients treated
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Guided facility
Ocular Symptoms
Within the first weeks to months, parents commonly notice poor visual fixation and tracking, along with the wandering eye movements known as nystagmus, and pronounced sensitivity to bright light. Many infants also develop the oculodigital sign — repeatedly pressing or rubbing at their eyes, thought to be a way of self-generating some form of visual sensation. Refraction testing frequently turns up a significant degree of far-sightedness alongside these findings.
Underlying Causes
More than two dozen genes have been linked to LCA, with GUCY2D, RPE65, and CEP290 among the most frequently implicated in confirmed cases, and inheritance follows an autosomal recessive pattern in the large majority. Identifying the specific gene responsible carries real weight — it can shape what other findings might be expected and, for certain genes, determine eligibility for gene-specific treatment.
Diagnostic Evaluation
In infants with LCA, electroretinography typically shows a severely diminished or entirely flat response — a finding that’s central to ruling out other causes of poor infant vision, such as delayed visual maturation. We recommend genetic testing be arranged at the earliest opportunity, with particular attention to RPE65-related mutations, since the identified gene directly shapes both the prognosis conversation and future treatment eligibility.
Meet The Team
Our Eye Specialists
Dr. Pawan
Associate Professor, Vitreo-Retina Surgeon. 10+ Years Experience
Retinal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and advanced retina procedures. Provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning for international patients.
Dr.Pallavee
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon· 26+ yrs experience
Areas of Focus: Cataract surgery, corneal disorders, refractive procedures, and glaucoma management. Provides comprehensive eye care and surgical expertise for global patients.
Dr. Robin
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon, MD, DO .16+ Years Experience
Areas of Focus: Cataract surgery, corneal disorders, refractive procedures, and glaucoma management. Provides comprehensive eye care and surgical expertise for global patients.
Treatment Approach in India
Given how early and severely LCA presents, our approach combines a thorough retinal evaluation — including consideration of regenerative stem cell therapy where the findings support it — with prompt low-vision and developmental support tailored to a young child, on the basis that early intervention genuinely shapes a child’s broader developmental path. We stay involved as the child grows, helping families understand what each stage tends to bring.
Reviews
What Our Patients Say
DR NAAGALAKSHMI R
1 week ago
Asha Babbar
2 weeks ago
The overall experience at the RP Treatment Center was very good. The staff was supportive and caring, and we provided proper attention and guidance during treatment. The environment at the center was clean and comfortable. The doctors and staff tried to understand patients' needs and explained the treatment process well.
Overall, I am satisfied with the service and care. Highly recommended!
Overall, I am satisfied with the service and care. Highly recommended!
Harshita Kapoor
2 weeks ago
Life‑Changing Experience with RP Therapy”
After years of struggling with vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, I finally found hope here. The doctors were highly professional, explained the stem cell treatment in detail, and gave me confidence at every step. The therapy was smooth, and I’ve already noticed positive changes in my daily life. Their dedication, care, and advanced medical approach make this center truly trustworthy
After years of struggling with vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, I finally found hope here. The doctors were highly professional, explained the stem cell treatment in detail, and gave me confidence at every step. The therapy was smooth, and I’ve already noticed positive changes in my daily life. Their dedication, care, and advanced medical approach make this center truly trustworthy
Yash Chauhan
2 weeks ago
I had a really good experience at RP Treatment Centre. The doctor listened to my problem patiently and explained the treatment in a simple way. The staff was polite and the clinic was clean. I started feeling better after the treatment. Highly recommended!
pragya chauhan
2 weeks ago
Very satisfied with the service. The doctor is experienced and gives proper attention to every patient. The staff is friendly, and the overall environment is comfortable. Thank you, RP Treatment Centre, for the excellent care.
Manisha kapoor
2 weeks ago
I had been struggling with Retinitis Pigmentosa for years, and finding this center was truly life‑changing. The doctors provided a thorough medical evaluation and explained every step of the stem cell therapy process with clarity. The treatment was smooth, professional, and I noticed encouraging improvements in my vision within weeks. Their continuous follow‑up care and compassionate support made me feel confident throughout the journey. Highly recommended for anyone seeking advanced RP treatment in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an LCA diagnosis mean our child has no vision whatsoever?
” Not necessarily — the extent of vision loss depends on the specific gene involved and the individual child, and a good number retain some usable light perception, or even basic form vision. A thorough evaluation is what establishes exactly what level of function is present in each case.
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How soon should we get our child evaluated?
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As soon as unusual visual behaviour is noticed. Getting evaluated early means genetic testing can begin sooner — particularly important for identifying RPE65-related cases — and lets developmental support start without losing valuable time.”
The clinical picture already suggests LCA — do we still need genetic testing?
” We’d still recommend it. Since LCA can be caused by more than twenty different genes, knowing precisely which one is responsible affects the outlook and may determine eligibility for gene-specific treatments already available or in development, particularly where RPE65 is involved.”
Will our child be able to manage in a mainstream school?
“That depends largely on how much functional vision remains and how early developmental and low-vision support gets underway. Many children with LCA do well with early intervention, and we’re glad to talk through what a realistic path might look like for your child specifically.”
