Retinal Dystrophy Specialist
Retinal Dystrophy Q & A
What is retinal dystrophy?
Retinal dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders that affect your retina and vision. Your retina is a thin area in the back of your eye. It sends images to your brain, senses light, and is necessary for sharp, central vision required for seeing fine detail, reading, and driving. Untreated retinal dystrophy can lead to vision loss and blindness in some cases.
What are the types of retinal dystrophy?
Various types of retinal dystrophy exist. Examples include:
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Stargardt disease
- Cone dystrophy
- Cone-rod dystrophy
- Macular dystrophy
- Usher syndrome
- Congenital stationary night blindness
Genetic defects often contribute to retinal disorders, which can occur in children as well as adults. Early detection and treatment give you the best chance of avoiding vision loss.
What are the symptoms of retinal dystrophy?
Symptoms of retinal dystrophy vary depending on the type of eye disorder you have. Common vision problems associated with retinal dystrophy include:
- Diminished depth perception
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Central vision loss
- Difficulty adjusting to light sensitivity
- Diminished ability to see well in dim lighting
- Night blindness
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in light
- Blurred vision
An evaluation at Athena Eye Institute at the first sign of retinal dystrophy symptoms is the best way to prevent vision decline.
How is retinal dystrophy diagnosed?
To diagnose retinal dystrophy, Dr. Reddy and her team complete a comprehensive eye exam and a series of eye tests. Examples include visual acuity tests, tests that measure the retina’s electrical response to light, and imaging procedures.
These or other tests help the team determine how well your retina functions. Dr. Reddy may also use blood tests to detect genetic mutations associated with specific retinal disorders.
How are retinal disorders treated?
Treatment for retinal dystrophy can slow disease progression. Your personalized treatment plan is based on the type of condition you have and its severity. Dr. Reddy may recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light, not smoking, and attending regular checkups with the Athena Eye Institute team helps protect your eyes from future damage. Special brown or amber glasses help filter blue light to delay vision loss associated with retinal dystrophy.
Vision correction
Wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses helps restore vision if you have retinal dystrophy.
Mobility training
If you experience vision loss due to retinal dystrophy, mobility training helps you learn to live with the impairment and function better during everyday activities.
Retinal disease treatment
If you experience retinal damage or a disease, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, or retinal tears, Dr. Reddy may recommend laser surgical repair, injections, retinal implants, or other minor surgical procedures.
Don’t avoid going to the doctor if you experience vision problems, as early eye disease detection and treatment is the best way to help save your vision. Schedule an appointment with Athena Eye Institute over the phone or online today.