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 | USD 163 – USD 870 | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Ongoing management (vision loss is usually permanent) | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 1,208 – USD 6,442 | 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.
I'd been to a couple of...
I'd been to a couple of doctors for this nagging stomach pain and fatigue, and everyone just said it was stress. Dr. Karunakaran actually listened. He asked a lot of questions I hadn't been asked before and ordered some specific tests. Turns out it was a tricky gallbladder issue that wasn't showing up on the standard scans. He explained it in a way that finally made sense. I had the surgery at MGM last month and feel like myself again.
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.
- 22 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 6 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 39 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 37 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 29 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital Faridabad
- 29 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11
- 24 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 24 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital Faridabad
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 18 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi