Learn about Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a rare, inherited mitochondrial disorder that primarily affects the optic nerves, leading to sudden, painless vision loss, typically in young adult males. While there is no definitive cure, management focuses on supportive care, vision rehabilitation, and emerging therapies. An ophthalmologist plays a crucial role in diagnosing LHON through a comprehensive eye exam, genetic testing, and advanced imaging like optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment strategies may include the use of specific supplements like idebenone, which has shown potential to slow progression in some patients, alongside low-vision aids and counseling to help patients adapt to visual impairment and maintain quality of life.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to a couple of...

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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.

Dr. Nirmala
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thanuja Gopal Pradeep
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Indranil Bhattacharya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Seethapathy
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Parbatani
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bhaskar Roy Choudhury
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhasish Das
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Diwakar
  • 44 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Geetha S
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Angshuman Goswami
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sumana Kamath
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kunjlata Khunteta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jalpa Vashi
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Richa
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dipali Prabhu
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Naveen S Kumaraswamy
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayashree Dhamane
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shreyas Shah
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anant Vir Jain Vir
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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