Is there a treatment for LHON?

There are currently no proven treatments for LHON. However, there are many promising novel treatment modalities that are currently being evaluated, with several clinical trials underway or in the planning stages. Supportive measures and genetic counseling remain of great importance for these patients.

Can stem cells cure optic nerve damage?

Optic-nerve injury results in impaired transmission of visual signals to central targets and leads to the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and irreversible vision loss. Therapies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources have been used experimentally to increase survival and regeneration of RGCs.

What causes Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy?

LHON is caused by genetic mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Some mothers with a LHON gene mutation do not show symptoms, but family history often reveals female relatives with visual loss at an early age.

Who does Leber congenital amaurosis affect?

Leber congenital amaurosis occurs in 2 to 3 per 100,000 newborns. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in children.

How do you heal optic nerve damage naturally?

Here’s a quick list of natural herbal remedies that can ward off the onset of vision loss while helping your overall wellness:

1. Eyebright – more of a folk remedy for the eyes.
2. Gingko Biloba – an antioxidant that protects nerve cells and improves blood flow to the retina.

How do you heal the optic nerve?

There are no effective treatments to regenerate nerve cells or to restore connections between the eye and brain once the optic nerve is lost. This is a major barrier in the field and one that must be overcome, given the substantial number of patients suffering from optic neuropathy-associated blindness.

Does LHON lead to blindness?

Individuals with LHON may have permanent vision loss. Once central vision loss occurs, you’ll typically not see any improvement in vision and can be considered legally blind.

Can you go blind with optic atrophy?

Optic atrophy is not a disease, but rather a sign of a potentially more serious condition. Optic atrophy results from damage to the optic nerve from many different kinds of pathologies. The condition can cause problems with vision, including blindness.

Is there an approved treatment for LHON in the US?

In most countries including the U.S., there is no approved treatment for LHON. In Europe, a product called Raxone made by Santhera Pharmaceuticals was approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) for use in the early phase of LHON. Raxone is the pharmaceutical grade of idebenone, a synthetic form of CoQ10.

How many clinical trials are there for LHON?

There are eighteen studies including 5 phase II/III clinical trials in LHON listed on the clinicaltrials.gov website and they vary from oral medication to eye drops and intravitreal injections. In this review, we discuss failed and active therapies and the future of clinical trials in LHON.

What are the mutations in the LHON gene?

LHON is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA. It’s caused by mutations in the following genes: MT-NDI1. MT-ND4. MT-ND4L. MT-ND6. Vision loss occurs because the cells in your optic (eye) nerve die.

What does LHON stand for in medical terms?

LHON is a mitochondrial disease, which means it is only inherited through the mother. Individuals who have lost their central vision are referred to as “affected.” Individuals who carry one of the mitochondrial mutations but do not experience vision loss are referred to as “carriers.” Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.