Rare Eye Diseases: 3 Uncommon Eye Conditions You Likely Don't Know About
Without your eyesight, you would ultimately be lost. When you lose your vision, it results in backtracking and relearning many basic tasks. While most people know how to maintain their contact lenses and to undergo regular eye exams, many do not know about the lesser known eye diseases that could drastically impact your life. Here are three very rare eye diseases:
1. Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a particular type of extremely rare eye cancer that targets the back part of the eye. Unfortunately, it is life-threatening and most victims of this cancer are very young (three years of age or younger). Roughly 250 to 300 kids are diagnosed with the disease every year in the United States.
It is hereditary, so if you know that you have had it or a family member was diagnosed with it, then it is crucial you speak to your primary care physician immediately to learn about prevention options. Although it can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy and even surgery, early diagnosis and prevention is key.
2.Usher Syndrome
Usher syndrome is very difficult to diagnose. This is mainly because it affects both your hearing and vision. In some cases, the symptoms can mask one another. There are three types of this disease: type I, type II and type III.
Those with type I are generally born deaf and their vision decreases prior to age 10. Those with type II will have moderate to severe hearing loss and may not suffer vision loss they are a teenager. Those with type III are generally born with normal hearing and vision, but progressive loss occurs in varying stages. The best treatment for any of these is early intervention and various therapies.
3. Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy (BCD)
This particular eye disease is passed onto a child from a parent and is localized to number four chromosone. Among the first symptoms of BCD is crystals in the eyes, particularly on the retina. Usually, these crystals are shiny and yellow. It hinders the visual field while also causing night blindness. Although BCD is particularly common in Asians, it can affect anyone that has a parent who carries the gene. At this time, there is no treatment, but it does not appear to be a life-threatening eye disease.
Due to the fact that eye conditions can be rare, may be hereditary and can start at a very early age, it is important to start early with eye exams and check-ups. It is also important to maintain healthy vision from the get-go, which can be done by hydrating properly, eating right and much more. Your optometrist or places like Baldwin Optical & Hearing Aid Co. can share some helpful advice when you schedule your next appointment for an eye exam.