A Canadian-led team of medical researchers has identified the gene responsible for a type of blindness in infants and children. McGill University Health Center scientists said the gene is responsible for Leber Congenital Amaurosis, or LCA, the most common cause of congenital blindness in infants and young children. "This discovery has the potential to fast-track a cure for this disease," says lead investigator Dr. Robert Koenekoop, director of the McGill Ocular Genetics Centre at the MUHC. "Our main research goal is to identify all the genes responsible for congenital blindness in children and then study them so that we can then use gene therapy to rescue their vision."
Leber's Congenital Amaurosis is a rare inherited eye disease that appears at birth or in the first few months of life. It is usually characterized by involuntary eye movement, sluggish or no pupillary responses, and severe vision loss or blindness. An estimated 200,000 children worldwide are afflicted with LCA.
Source: McGill University Health Centre. "Gene Responsible For Blindness In Infants And Children Identified By MUHC-Led International Team." Medical News Today, 08 Jun 2007.
Hi guys!! My name is Lutila Kalolo and I’m writing all the way from New Zealand. I came across your article on congenital blindness and was wondering if you were able to send me any information on whether there was any kind of cure. I was born with congenital blindness from when i was born, i am now 30 years old and still have it. My curiosity of whether congenital blindness was abled to be cured. I was told that nothing could be done by it but I hope you are able to give me more information on the subject, please do not hesitate to contact me, any kind of response from you would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Lutila Kalolo
How are you commenting or reading this article if you are blind?
She might have a computer that talks to her! They do have special computers for the blind to use!
Dear Sir/Madam, I am looking for therapy that can cure congenital blindness. I am very appreciative if you can tell if there is any progess.
A child of one of my friend is congenital blind, when she knew it, she completely brokedown, and also her family. I am so sorry for her.
curious! congenital blindness does not generally mean you are fully blind they can just be blind in one eye!
i read your article
Sorry…..yes i have congenital blindness in my left eye but the right one is perfect. I can drive and everything the only thing is that im totally blind in that left one……Switched on is right :O)