Retina degeneration actually refers to a number of eye disorders. Each involves the eventual degeneration of the retina. The retina is a layer of tissue found inside the eye. When the eye takes in light, it is projected onto the retina so that it may be processed and the results sent to the brain. When the retina does not function properly, the entire process of seeing is hindered. A retinal degeneration disorder should be treated by a trained medical professional.
What Causes Retinal Degeneration?
Retinal degeneration can stem from a number of other conditions. These include Aceruloplasminemia, Cystinosis, Alstrom syndrome, congenital disorder of glycosylation type 1A, Neonatal ALD, muscle-eye brain syndrome, pigmentary retinopathy, CDG syndrome, retinoschisis, Santavuori disease, and osteopetrosis. Your medical practitioner can provide insight into what is causing retinal degeneration. This will also help determine the best course of action to take to slow the process.
Symptoms of Retinal Degeneration
The retina is vital to normal eye function. When retinal degeneration occurs, the patient will notice a number of hindering symptoms. Their vision will become impaired and they will begin to lose it completely. Night blindness may appear as well, making it difficult to travel after dark. Tunnel vision is another symptom of retinal degeneration as well as a loss of peripheral vision. The patient may also notice that lights bother them more than they ever did.
How to Treat Retinal Degeneration
There is no cure all treatment for retinal degeneration. This condition is caused by numerous illnesses and requires individual attention. Every case is unique and a medical professional should evaluate the patient to determine the best course of action. Depending on the cause of retinal degeneration, treatments may range from a prescription medication to laser treatments, implants, or vitamin supplements.
Retinal degeneration can make it difficult for a person to operate at normal levels. This condition can lead to eventual blindness and, until that point, the loss of other areas of vision that make it possible to function independently.