see Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease characterized by severe loss of vision at birth. A variety of other eye-related abnormalities including roving eye movements, deep-set eyes, and sensitivity to bright light also occur with this disease. Some patients with LCA also experience central nervous system abnormalities.

The transparent part of the eye that focuses light onto the retina, so that we can see.

A locus is the chromosomal "neighborhood" where a gene (a "house") resides; specifically, a potential disease-causing gene.

A blood vessel growth-blocking drug approved by the FDA in June 2006 for treatment of wet AMD.

Nutrient pigments chemically related to beta-carotene that are abundant in green leafy vegetables and yellow and orange-colored fruits and vegetables. These are the only two known food pigments that collect in the macula, where they are thought to protect it from light damage (blue light).

An anti-VEGF drug approved by the FDA in 2004 for treatment of wet AMD.

The center of the retina that has a concentration of cone photoreceptor cells and is responsible for fine detail, day and color vision.

The processed gene "messenger" (derived from DNA) that is the template for making proteins. Also, see RNA.

A series of pathways the body uses, both to break down nutrients into simple energy packets and to create building blocks that then build-up cell components and help the body to function.

A change or "spelling mistake" in the DNA of a gene that can cause a disease (but sometimes does not cause disease).

see Nutritional and Environmental Therapy

Acronym for the National Eye Institute, a part of the research-funding government organization, the United States (US) National Institutes of Health.

Delivering a protein or drug to the eye that prevents the photoreceptors and/or RPE cells from dying, thus saving vision.

see Neuroprotective Therapy

The specialized compartment within a cell that houses the DNA.

A clinically-tested nutritional supplement or lifestyle change that has been proven to slow or stop the loss of vision in a retinal degenerative disease.

Nystagmus is a constant, rapid and involuntary oscillation of the eyes - one of the symptoms that can be experienced by individuals who have a retinal degenerative disease, like Leber congenital amaurosis.

A type of fat that is important for cell function. Also, see DHA.

The bundle of nerve cells, or "cable," that transmits signals from the retina to the visual processing center of the brain.