Coats disease, a rare eye condition, affects the development of blood vessels in the retina. The retina is found at the back of the eye and sends images to the brain. Your vision can be compromised when this part of the eye is not functioning properly.
Learn more about this eye disorder and its signs from a local myopia control specialist.
Coats Disease
Retinal capillaries tear open and leak fluid into the back of the eye of Coats disease sufferers. The retina starts to swell as fluid accumulates. It can result in partial or complete retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. This eye condition typically only affects one eye and diagnosed during childhood. While experts have not discovered its cause it, early treatment can help preserve your vision.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of Coats disease usually manifest during childhood. Some experience mild symptoms at first while others have severe symptoms straightaway. This eye condition is commonly characterized by a yellow-eye or glow effect that is noticeable in flash photography. You may also notice that sufferers have crossed eyes, vision deterioration, a white mass behind the eye’s lens, and depth perception loss. Moreover, later symptoms include eye inflammation, cataracts, glaucoma, eyeball atrophy, retinal detachment, and reddish discoloration of the iris. If your kid is experiencing these symptoms, immediately contact your eye doctor.
Stages
Stage 1 – In the first stage of Coats disease, your eye doctor can notice abnormal blood vessels that haven’t leaked yet.
Stage 2 – Blood vessels have started to leak fluids into the retina. A small leak won’t affect your child’s vision but a larger one can cause severe vision loss. As fluids build up, the risk of retinal detachment increases.
Stage 3 – At this stage, the retinal is either partially or completely detached.
Stage 4 – Patients at this stage have already developed increased eye pressure or glaucoma.
Stage 5 – In this last stage, blindness has already occurred on the affected eye. Cataracts and eyeball atrophy can also develop.
Regular visits to your eye doctor or optometrist can help with the early detection and treatment of this eye condition. Learn more about pediatric eye care by contacting an eye specialist in your area.