Coats disease is a rare eye condition in which blood vessels in the retina don’t develop properly. The retina is the part of the eye that sends light images to the brain, a critical part in the visual process. This eye disease is usually diagnosed in childhood. 

Learn more about Coats disease from a local eye care provider. 

Signs and Symptoms

Sufferers of Coats disease typically begin to develop symptoms in childhood. These symptoms are often mild at first, but in some cases they’re severe right away. Coats disease is characterized by a yellow-eye effect that can be visible in flash photography. Patients can have strabismus or cross-eye and leukocoria. They can also experience depth perception loss and vision deterioration. 

In the later stages of the eye disease, the iris may develop a reddish discoloration, and eye inflammation can occur. Coats disease patients may also suffer from glaucoma, cataracts and eyeball atrophy. While these symptoms usually only occur in one eye, they can affect both. If you suspect that your child suffers from this condition, visit your eye doctor immediately. 

Who Is at Risk of Coats Disease?

Less than 200,000 people in the U.S. are affected by Coats disease, and it affects more females than males. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of eight and 16, though the disease can also begin later in life, with around one-third of Coats disease patients first developing symptoms after age 30. There is no evidence that this eye condition is hereditary, and the cause hasn’t been discovered yet. 

Early detection of Coats disease can help preserve eyesight, which is why regular visits to your eye doctor are very important. For special eye testing, get in touch with Spectrum Eye Care. We also offer eyeglasses, designer sunglasses, contact lenses and more. Give us a call at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.