Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Treatment in India
About Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive diagnosis through genetic testing, confirming the mitochondrial DNA mutation.Offers access to specialized management strategies, including the prescription of idebenone, an approved therapy in some regions.Focuses on preserving remaining vision and optimizing visual function through low-vision rehabilitation.Involves comprehensive monitoring to track disease progression and manage associated symptoms.Delivers crucial genetic counseling for patients and their families regarding inheritance patterns.
Who is this surgery for?
- Sudden, painless loss of central vision in one eye, often followed by the other eye within weeks or months.
- Presentation typically in young males (teens to 30s), though it can affect females and other ages.
- Finding of a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) and central or cecocentral scotomas on visual field testing.
- Family history suggestive of maternal inheritance of vision loss.
- Characteristic findings on fundus examination, such as telangiectatic microangiopathy and pseudoedema of the optic nerve head in the acute phase.
How to prepare
- Detailed review of personal and family medical history, focusing on vision problems.
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including visual acuity, color vision, and pupillary reaction tests.
- Diagnostic imaging like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess the retinal nerve fiber layer.
- Blood draw for genetic testing to identify specific mitochondrial DNA mutations (e.g., m.11778G>A, m.3460G>A, m.14484T>C).
- Consultation to discuss the implications of genetic testing and the goals of management.
Risks & possible complications
- Progression of vision loss despite intervention, as the natural history of LHON is variable.
- Potential side effects from medications like idebenone, which may include gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Psychological impact of receiving a diagnosis of a chronic, hereditary condition.
- Limitations of current therapies, which are supportive and not curative.
- Risk of misdiagnosis if genetic testing is not performed, as symptoms can mimic other optic neuropathies.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Vision loss from LHON is often permanent, so recovery focuses on adaptation rather than restoration.
- Regular follow-up visits with the ophthalmologist to monitor for very rare, spontaneous improvement.
- Engagement with low-vision specialists to learn the use of magnifiers, screen readers, and other adaptive devices.
- Ongoing use of prescribed supplements or medications as directed by the physician.
- Genetic counseling for the patient and family members to understand inheritance risks.
- Psychological support or counseling to cope with the life changes associated with vision impairment.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time:
Ongoing management (vision loss is usually permanent)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering leber hereditary optic neuropathy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for leber hereditary optic neuropathy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform leber hereditary optic neuropathy. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for leber hereditary optic neuropathy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 80 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Ongoing management (vision loss is usually permanent) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 280 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Ongoing management (vision loss is usually permanent) | Know More |
Top hospitals for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
Rahul Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Rahul Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, was an avid photographer and hiker. His world began to dim six months ago when he noticed a painless, gradual blurring in the center of his vision, first in his right eye, then his left. Colors seemed less vibrant, and reading code on his screen became a strain. His paternal uncle had lost his vision in his 30s, a family mystery never diagnosed. After normal basic eye exams, an ophthalmologist, suspecting something hereditary, ordered genetic testing. The results confirmed Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). The doctor explained that while there is no cure, a treatment called Idebenone (a synthetic coenzyme Q10 analog) could potentially help preserve and, in some cases, improve remaining vision by supporting mitochondrial function. Feeling a mix of grief and desperate hope, Rahul started the high-dose oral medication. The treatment was simple but required strict daily discipline. For the first three months, he noticed no change and battled depression, fearing he'd lose his career and passions. Then, during a follow-up visit at the six-month mark, the visual field test showed a slight but measurable improvement in his left eye's peripheral sensitivity. While his central vision remains significantly impaired, this stabilization felt like a victory. Emotionally, he moved from despair to cautious optimism. He has learned to use screen-reading software and continues to hike with a companion, focusing on the sounds and smells of nature. The journey is about managing a chronic condition, not a cure, but he feels empowered fighting back.
Ophthalmologists for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform leber hereditary optic neuropathy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist