Rod-Cone Dystrophy – A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care

Rod-Cone Dystrophy is a genetically-based deterioration of vision caused by damage to the photoreceptors in the eye. Rods and cones are the photoreceptor cells in the retina that give us daytime and night time vision. Genes that provide the blueprint for manufacturing proteins crucial to the eye’s rods and cones are damaged. Without enough of these proteins, vision deteriorates and blindness may result.

Much of the current research into rod-cone dystrophy is focused on genetic research. Scientists are busy identifying the faulty genes and how they function. Stem cells or other genetic therapy offers hope for a treatment and possibly cure in the future. In the meantime, nutritional and lifestyle choices may slow the progression of rod-cone dystrophy.

The cones provide central vision and color vision. Iodopsin pigment in the cones helps protect them. Cone opsins (also known as “Photopsins”) are the photoreceptor proteins found in the cone cells of the retina that are the basis of color vision. In Cone Dystrophy, the genetic code that produces iodopsin pigment malfunctions. Cone Dystrophy can be stationary (stable, usually after appearing in childhood) or progressive (getting worse over time).

Rod-Cone Dystrophy involves both the rods and cones. Rod cells provide peripheral vision and night vision. In Rod Dystrophy, the genetic code for rhodopsin pigment is damaged. Rhodopsin (also known as visual purple) is a light-sensitive receptor protein that enables us to see in low light conditions.

How Rod-Cone Dystrophy Is Diagnosed

Dystrophy means it is a condition that a child is born with. Parents may notice these signs of rod-cone dystrophy in young children:

• Nystagmus – the eyes move quickly from one edge of the eyes to another
• Eyes move slowly, wandering around and not fixing or pausing on objects
• Touching eyes with fingers (eye poking)

In the case of cone dystrophy, bright light may cause vision to appear blurry and washed out. Stable Cone Dystrophy is also called “achromatopsia” because many patients cannot see color. Malfunctioning cone cells expose the rods to too much light, making vision in bright light difficult.

With cone dystrophy, central vision can be blurred, and colors not bright. Things that are not moving, color objects, fine details in daylight, printed words and faces may be difficult to recognize. Vision can be so poor that patients are considered legally blind, although they are rarely completely blind.

Patients with rod-cone dystrophy may have difficulty seeing in the dark and moving objects. They may have limited peripheral vision.

Any parent who suspects their child may not be seeing clearly should consult an eye doctor. The optometrist or ophthalmologist can screen and test for cone and rod-related diseases, as well as other possible causes. A number of eye diseases affect the photoreceptor cells, including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, Usher Syndrome and Batten’s Disease.

In some cases, the problems are not noticed or significant until later in life. If you notice any change in vision, go to the eye doctor to get evaluated.

Causes

Genetic diseases such as rod-cone dystrophy have two possible sources:

• Inheritance. One or both parents passed on genes that affect the child’s ability to produce proteins/pigments crucial for good vision.
• Mutation. Sometimes, genes mutate before birth. Mutation can be positive or negative. While mutation can be accelerated by exposure to radiation, many mutations take place with no known cause. Even identical twins have some mutations separating them genetically.

Prognosis

Rod-cone dystrophy can stabilize (stationary), or get worse over a lifetime (progressive).

Standard Treatment

There is currently no cure, nor any conventional treatments to hold off or halt the disease’s progression.

Identifying the mutated genes is the main thrust of current research.^{1 2 3} Stem cell therapy for rod-cone dystrophy and other retinal diseases is on the horizon.⁴

Professionals can teach vision-impaired people techniques for navigating everyday tasks. Devices and technology aimed at the visually impaired can improve quality of life and open up opportunities. Doctors may recommend tinted glasses.

Other Approaches to Cone-Rod Dystrophy Support

Although cone-rod dystrophy is genetic, there are many lifestyle choices that influence eye health. Targeted nutrition for the eyes is supported by a body of research. Avoiding harmful drugs, and using alternative health modalities such as acupuncture and microcurrent stimulation daily at home may also be helpful for these patients.

Nutrition aimed at supporting the photo receptors has been studied. They can be obtained through oral supplements as well as a healthy diet. The carotenoids lutein⁵ and zeaxanthin⁶, taurine⁷, vitamin C⁸ and Omega 3 fatty acids⁹ have properties that support the retina. Additionally, the antioxidant bilberry extract protects against photooxidation of the retinal cells and support night vision (rods). Vitamin A Palmitate¹⁰ may be helpful for some patients’ retinas, but is contraindicated for certain mutations. This vitamin can be over-dosed and may need to be taken with the bile salt TUDA, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that stimulates meridians to improve the flows of energy in the body. Acupuncturists in the US are licensed by each state, and utilize disposable, hair-thin needles. They have protocols for addressing energy flow to the eyes. One protocol aimed at patients with another retinal disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa (another genetic based retinal disease), was used in a pilot study¹¹. It found improvement for most subjects in several measurements.

Microcurrent Stimulation has been used by surgeons, orthopedists, anesthesiologists for several years to treat pain and promote healing. It is FDA approved for these uses. Microcurrent Stimulation (MCS) can be used for helping support overall retinal health by: supporting healthy circulation in the retina, increasing energy production (ATP) and helping the retina eliminate waste. There have been 5 studies¹² done to date showing good results using MCS daily for a range of retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt Disease. This treatment method is listed as “off-label” use for the eyes by the FDA.

Men with Cone-Rod Dystrophy should avoid Viagra and similar drugs. It prevents the body from creating an enzyme essential to vision. While temporary vision problems are a known possible side-effect, one study found permanent damage¹³. Patients who already have a genetic strike against them should not take any chances.

Summary

Cone-rod dystrophy is a genetic disease, and signals a lifetime of vision challenges. Training and technology help the patient adapt; lifestyle choices may slow the disease’s progression and help preserve vision. As genetic research continues, a treatment may be available in the future.

Up Next: Explore our Photo retinal Support Page and learn more about Cone-Rod Dystrophy.

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