Cone-rod dystrophy

Cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) is a group of inherited eye disorders that affect the light sensitive cells of the retina called the cones and rods. People with this condition experience vision loss over time as the cones and rods deteriorate. Initial signs and symptoms that usually occur in childhood may include decreased sharpness of vision (visual acuity) and abnormal sensitivity to light (photophobia). These signs are usually followed by blind spots in the central field of vision (scotomas), loss of color perception, and loss of peripheral vision. Most individuals with this condition are legally blind by mid adulthood.

There are over 30 types of CRD caused by mutations in several different genes that can be inherited in many different ways including autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked or mitochondrial patterns. CRDs are usually non-syndromic, but they may also be part of several syndromes. There is no cure for CRD; however, there may be ways to slow the disease process. Depending on the underlying cause of CRD and other associated symptoms, research may be ongoing to try to identify an effective treatment.