The drug idebenone improved the vision and perception of color in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, which leads to loss of sight in both eyes, according to a report in Brain.
The drug, which goes by the brand name Catena, improved vision for some severely affected patients, including those who were unable to read any letters on an eye chart.
Inherited from the mother, and mainly affecting men, LHON is caused by damage to the mitochondria in the eyes.
Read the Brain report on idebenone for patients with Leber's.
Related Articles on Blindness:
Study: Too Much Oxygen in Eyes Linked to High Glaucoma Rates for Blacks
Dr. William Lahners Discusses Florida's Center for Sight Involvement in Mission Cataract
Triamcinolone Injections May Slow Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy