23/07/2025
Some important issues to be aware of when it comes to eye health and your children's eye health!
This week, we're raising awareness of some of the rarer eye conditions in order to highlight just how many there are that can have a real impact on people's lives, and the importance of checking and maintaining your eye health.
Today weโre highlighting Coats disease, a very rare condition that affects the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Coats disease usually starts in childhood, often before the age of 10, and most often affects boys. It causes blood vessels in the retina to develop abnormally, leak fluid, and in some cases, lead to a loss of vision in one eye.
Because Coats disease often only affects one eye, children may not notice any symptoms, which is why regular eye checks are so important. In some cases, parents may spot a white or yellowish reflection in their childโs pupil in flash photographs, or a squint may develop.
Treatment aims to prevent further damage and preserve sight, often using laser or freezing treatment. While some children may need surgery in more advanced cases, many will adapt well to having good vision in just one eye.
Learn more about the stages of Coats disease, signs to watch for, and support available on our website: rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/eye-conditions-az/coats-disease/
We're here to support everyone affected by sight loss, including those living with rare conditions like Coats disease. Stay with us throughout the week as we continue to spotlight lesser-known eye conditions.
[Image description: Two young boys are sitting in a toy car ride, smiling and enjoying themselves. The boy on the left is wearing glasses and a dark blue jacket, while the younger boy on the right is wearing a bright blue jacket.]
