Retina disorders exist and can cause many problems. In some cases, these disorders can completely rob a person of their ability to see. It helps to know a little about potential problems and how to identify them. Even if your symptoms are different, it is important to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible. Time could be of the essence to correct or treat the problem and get your vision back.
Cone-Rod Dystrophy (CORD)
Cone-Rod Dystrophy refers to a number of retina disorders. These are inherited and involve the cones and rods, or photoreceptors, of the eye. Cone-Rod Dystrophy can affect a diverse age group, with individuals as young as teenagers and as old as seniors. The cone cells are responsible for seeing colors and central vision. When a problem appears, patient may develop a sensitivity to lights as well as faded color vision. They notice that around dusk they have an easier time seeing things. Coming up with a treatment plan for retina disorders like these depends on the individual problem.
Cancer of the Retina (Retinoblastomaey
Cancer can form in almost any area in the body, and can show up as one of the many retina disorders in existence today. On the up side, cancer of the retina has one of the best cure rates, with over 95% of all children and nine out of ten adults recovering from this treatable cancer. Retinoblastoma can appear as an abnormal reflection in the pupil. Some patients experience decreased vision, eye irritation and (in some pediatric cases) a squint. Treatments for retina cancer include chemotherapy, laser therapy, and external beam radiotherapy among other therapies. Preferred treatment varies from one region to the other, with the emphasis placed on saving the patient’s life then vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa refers to a group of retina disorders that affect night vision. Patients usually experience night vision for as long as decades before night blindness appears. Most patience are middle aged by the time they get to this point. Still, each case is unique and may work much more quickly. Retina disorders that fall into this category are incurable. Physicians will focus on slowing the progression of the problem, usually with vitamin A palmitate.