Background
The protein encoded by this gene is an NADPH-dependent retinal reductase whose highest activity is toward 9-cis and;all-trans-retinol. The encoded enzyme also plays a role in the metabolism of short-chain aldehydes but does not;exhibit steroid dehydrogenase activity. Defects in this gene are a cause of Leber congenital amaurosis type 3 (LCA3).