Discuss the characteristics of each of the following conditions and explain the impact each may have on an individual’s vision: macular degeneration; retinopathy of prematurity; retinitis pigmentosa; and coloboma.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: Student answers should include:
• Macular degeneration: a common eye disease in adults which may also occur in young people, involving damage to the central part of the retina cones, affecting central vision, light sensitivity, and color.
• Retinopathy of prematurity: vascular growth has been interrupted by premature birth. The veins and arteries begin to grow in an unorganized manner causing bundles, which pull together and detach the retina. The child first loses peripheral vision and then the whole field of vision unless surgical intervention is immediate. Spotty vision, retinal scarring, field loss, and glaucoma may also be present.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: a hereditary condition involving gradual degeneration of the retina, which can result in night blindness, photophobia and eventually loss of macular vision.
• Coloboma: a congenital condition that results in a teardrop shape of the pupil, iris, lens, retina, choroid, or optic nerve. Field of vision may be affected, problems with glare may also be present and problems with depth perception may occur.