05/06/2026
May is Inherited Retinal Disease Genetic Testing Month!👁️
IRDs are a rare group of diseases caused by a genetic mutation that affects the retina’s structure and function.
IRDs are inherited and cannot be prevented, therefore, individuals with a family history are at a higher risk. Some IRDs can start in very early childhood but may not show any signs until school-age or the teenage years. Some IRDs cause mild visual impairment, while others are more severe, potentially leading to blindness.
Types of IRDs include:
✨Achromatopsia
✨Choroderemia
✨Cone-rod Dystrophy
✨Leber Congenital Amaurosis
✨Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
✨Stargardt Disease
Unfortunately, there is no cure for IRDs. Treatments may be available depending on the condition. This could involve prescription glasses to improve visual clarity, the use of tints and filters to help with light sensitivity, and potentially surgery to repair the retina.