Restoring Clarity, Improving Lives

Genetic Retinal Disease

What Are Genetic Retinal Diseases?

Genetic retinal diseases are a group of inherited conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These diseases cause premature degeneration of the retina, where photoreceptor light-sensing cells in the retina die, eventually leading to progressive vision loss.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

Genetic retinal diseases are a group of inherited conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These diseases cause premature degeneration of the retina, where photoreceptor light-sensing cells in the retina die, eventually leading to progressive vision loss.

What Are Some Symptoms of RP?
  • Blurry vision
  • Being unable to see well at night or in dim lighting
  • Reduced colour vision
  • Having involuntary eye movements in a child
  • Having trouble adjusting to changes in light
Efforts to slow down the progression of RP, as well as gene therapy, are being actively pursued and investigated in trials in Europe. However, once the photoreceptors of the retina die, the only options are to either transplant new photoreceptors or bypass them. Long term monitoring through regular follow-ups with an eye specialist is crucial in preserving your vision.

Stargardt Disease (STGD)

A genetic eye condition that affects vision in the macula and causes vision loss. Individuals with Stargardt disease have too much accumulation of a fatty yellow substance called lipofuscin in the retina. In people with Stargardt disease, lipofuscin collects over the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina that gives you clear and sharp central vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Stargardt Disease?
  • Blur vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Reduced colour vision
  • Experiencing difficulty adjusting to changes in light
Stargardt disease is diagnosed through the following tests:
  • Visual acuity test: This test will be done to assess the sharpness of your vision.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT): An OCT scan of your macula will be performed to determine the characteristic profile of deposits if consistent with Stargardt disease, and the extent of retinal involvement.
  • Fundus photography: An ultrawide field image of the fundus is taken to assess the retina.
  • Fundus autofluorescence (FAF): A specialised imaging test which can detect subtle changes in the retina to diagnose more challenging cases of Stargardt disease.
  • Fluorescein angiography (FA): For FA, a healthcare professional will inject a dye into a vein in your arm. The dye spreads through your body and into your retina. Then, a healthcare provider takes pictures with a special camera to identify leaks, which can occur uncommonly in specific cases of Stargardt disease.
  • Electrodiagnostic testing (EDG): EDG assists to determine severity of disease and track progression.
  • Genetic testing: This is not required to diagnose Stargardt disease, but clarifies the causative genetic mutation. This may assist in determining prognosis, likelihood of offspring inheriting the condition, and suitability for future clinical trials of new therapies.
Efforts to slow down the progression of Stargardt disease are being actively pursued and investigated in clinical trials to find ways to treat this condition.

Why Choose Us?

DR ERROL CHAN

Specialised Experience in Retinal Care

Dr Chan is a triple-Fellowship trained and experienced Ophthalmologist. He has international clinical experience from McGill University and Moorfields Eye Hospital London, and has been awarded Ophthalmology accreditation from the UK, Canada & Singapore. He specialises in diagnosing, managing and treating vitreoretinal diseases, including complex and second opinion cases.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

DR ERROL CHAN

Meticulous Approach

Our meticulous approach means that every detail is considered, from your medical history to your lifestyle needs, as we aim to provide you with the most optimal retinal care.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

DR ERROL CHAN

Comprehensive Diagnostic Technologies

A comprehensive detection of retinal tears or detachment necessitates specialised imaging equipment that are available at Ascend Eye Clinic.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

DR ERROL CHAN

Individualised Treatment

With the aim to optimally preserve your eye health as far as possible, we create personalised treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs and vision goals.
Book your Consultation
Meet Dr Errol Chan

Contact us

Request a Consultation

Cataract

Conditions

Services

Contact Us

Opening Hours

  • Mon to Fri:
  • 9.00AM – 5.30PM
  • Sat:
  • 9.00AM – 1.00PM
  • Sun & PH:
  • Closed
Copyright © 2026 Ascend Eye Clinic. All Rights Reserved.