Degenerative Retinal Disorders

Degenerative Retinal Disorders

Degenerative retinal disorders are a group of medical conditions that affect the retina of the eye. Retinal degenerative disorders cause progressive vision loss that cannot be recovered or reversed. These typically occur with age, but some cases can be present at birth or develop during childhood.

Types of Degenerative Retinal Disorders

The most common types of degenerative retinal disorder include:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Usher syndrome
• Dominantly inherited retinitis pigmentosa
• Leber's congenital amaurosis
• Stargardt's disease

Causes of Degenerative Retinal Disorders

The exact cause of degenerative retinal disorders is unknown. Some cases may be caused by genetic factors, while others may have an unknown cause. In some cases, the cause may be due to an underlying medical condition or trauma.

Symptoms of Degenerative Retinal Disorders

The symptoms of degenerative retinal disorders can vary depending on the type. However, common symptoms may include:

• Night blindness
• Blurred vision
• Decreased peripheral vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Poor contrast sensitivity
• Distorted vision
• Halos or starbursts around lights

Treatment of Degenerative Retinal Disorders

Treatment for degenerative retinal disorders will depend on the type and severity of the disorder. Some treatments, such as dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional supplements, may be recommended. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any physical abnormality. In cases of retinitis pigmentosa, gene therapy and stem cell treatments may be recommended.

Risk Factors for Degenerative Retinal Disorders

The risk factors for developing a degenerative retinal disorder may vary depending on the type of disorder. Age is the biggest risk factor, as most forms of degenerative retinal disorder tend to occur in older people. In addition, family history can increase the risk of developing these conditions. Trauma to the eye can also increase the risk, as can certain medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.