Rod-Cone Dystrophy
What is it?
Rod-Cone Dystrophy is an inherited condition that is irreversible and progressive. This disease causes damage to the photoreceptor cells (the rods and cones of the eye) and will generally result in blindness. The rods and cones are located in the retina at the back of the eye and gather information from the light that passes through the pupil. They convert light into nerve signals that are then transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain. Cones help you see color and detail, while the rods help with seeing movement and peripheral vision.
What are the symptoms?
The first symptoms will be loss of color vision and night blindness. Night vision loss generally occurs after the age of 20. Decreased visual acuity or sharpness will also be present early on, and then loss of peripheral vision will follow.
Physical symptoms noticed by others
Fast back and forth movements of the eyes and eyes that may wander about not really focusing on anything in particular.Children may also try to touch or poke their eyes. This behavior will need to be prevented whenever possible.
How is it treated?
As of yet, there are no treatments, however, there are several accommodations that can be made to help with the vision you currently have. For instance, glasses may be helpful. Use sunglasses and a hat when out in the bright sun to ease your eyes transition when you go somewhere darker. Magnify what you can see. There are several assistive technology instruments available for this purpose.
Prognosis
The central portion of the visual field is lost before the age of 10 as well as narrowing of the peripheral field of vision. At age 20 most individuals will experience night blindness. The disease progresses and by the age of 50 there is little visual function.Some patients may have some light perception, but it is very limited.
Homeopathic Treatment
According to there are several over the counter supplements that provide support to the eye and specifically to the retina. For individuals who want to prolong the vision they have it may be worth a try to test some vitamins and supplements as there are no other treatments for this disease. Please consult your physician before taking any supplements. Eye exercises may also benefit the individual by encouraging blood flow into the eye.
Tests
This disease closely resembles Retinitis Pigmentosa and must be clearly distinguished from this condition. One major difference in Rod-Cone Dystrophy is that the rods and cones are lost at the same time.
Photo of retina affected by Rod-Cone Dystrophy
Citations:
CaliforniaSchool for the Blind. Rod-Cone Dystrophy. Retrieved on July 2, 2010 from
Fallon, F. (2002). Rod-Cone Dystrophy. Retrieved on July 2, 2010 from Health Line website:
Foundation Fighting Blindness. Cone-Rod Dystrophy. Retrieved on July 2, 2010 from
Journal of Medical Genetics. An Autosomal Recessive Cone-Rrod Dystrophy Associated with Amelogenesis Imperfecta. Retrieved on July 2, 2010 from Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research website:
Natural Eye Care. Rod-Cone Dystrophy. Retrieved on July 2, 2010, from
Roberts, D. (August, 2008). Cone-Rod Dystrophy. Retrieved July 2, 2010, from Macular Degeneration Support website: