Retinal Dystrophy

Retina is the inner lining of the eyeball. The image is projected on the retina, similar in function to a camera film. From here, the image converted into electrical signals, is relayed to the brain via optic nerve.

Retina is made up a million of light sensitive cells called photoreceptors. Some of there photoreceptors are responsible for day vision whereas others have ability to see in dim light.

Retinal dystrophy refers to congenital weakness of some of the retinal cells. Contrary to common belief, not all retinal dystrophies are blinding.

Some of the commonly known retinal dystrophies are,

Retinists Pigmentosa or night blindness

Cone dystrophy

Stargardt's disease

Leber's disease

While there is no cure for these diseases, a number of measures can be employed to maximize visual potential with proper glasses and magnifiers, genetic counseling to reduce the risk of transmission in families, monitoring for associated treatable complications such as cataract and glaucoma.

Gene therapy and some newer class of drugs have shown some promise in early trial.