Retinal Degeneration

About Retinal Degenerations

The retina is an important part of the eye, and its loss of functioning can lead to partial or total blindness. Many retinal disorders are also genetic. Symptoms may show in early childhood or be delayed until later in life.

Columbia pediatric ophthalmologists and retinal experts are experienced in handling a wide range of retinal disorders. Our comprehensive and collaborative approach to treatment puts our youngest patients front and center. 

Conditions We Treat

Our team of specialists is highly skilled in treating pediatric retinal conditions, including the following:

• Retinopathy of prematurity
• Pediatric retinal trauma
• Inherited and congenital retinal disorders
• Retinitis pigmentosa–inherited disorders that affect the retina’s ability to respond to light and can result in a slow loss of vision
• Stargardt disease–the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration characterized by gradual vision loss from the death of cells in the central part of the retina
• Leber congenital amaurosis–an inherited retinal degenerative disease marked by severely reduced vision at birth
• Retinoschisis–a genetic condition where the retina splits into layers, resulting in diminished central and peripheral vision
• Persistent fetal vasculature syndrome–pre-birth developmental abnormality of the eyes which results in blurry vision and susceptibility to other eye diseases

Treatments We Offer

Treatment of inherited and congenital retinal disorders typically involves continuous monitoring and steps to preserve as much of the child’s vision as possible. At Columbia, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and multi-specialist teams prepared to help children and their parents treat and manage these complicated conditions.

Why Choose Columbia?

Advances in diagnostic and genetic testing, coupled with personalized treatment, are giving hope for our youngest of patients and their families. Over the coming years, more treatments for genetic diseases of the retina are likely to become available and Columbia’s experts in genetic causes of retina diseases are at the forefront of this research. We can also store clinical and genetic information so we can tell families about future treatments. We are dedicated to providing the best care possible to you and your family.