Insights in Ophthalmology

Ophthalmic Genetics and Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is an exploratory technique that employs genes to treat or prevent diseases. In near future, this technique may include a doctor replacing the mutated gene with a healthy copy of the gene to the patient in order to cure the abnormalities instead of surgery or drugs. Ophthalmic genetics is a branch of ophthalmology which refers to the field where the genetic background of disease is researched. Leber Congenital Amaraius (LCA) is a hereditary genetic disease that causes childhood blindness. Scientists and doctors have treated this disease with the help of gene therapy.