Definition of Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Leber congenital amaurosis is an eye disorder that affects the retina of the eye. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in children. The condition is caused by mutations in one of many genes associated with the development and function of the retina. Signs and symptoms include severe visual impairment that usually begins in infancy. Other associated symptoms can include an increased sensitivity to light, extreme farsightedness, and involuntary movements of the eyes. Depending on the specific gene mutation involved, the condition can be inherited or may develop from new mutations in people who have no family history of the condition.