Living with Cone-rod dystrophy 3
An inherited retina condition with reduced sharp vision, central vision loss and color vision problems, starting with cone cells.
Understanding Cone-rod dystrophy 3
Findings include reduced sharpness of vision, loss of central vision, color vision problems and changes at the macula. Cone cells break down early in life, with rod cells following several years later. Eye tests (ERG) show reduced signals from both cones and rods.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Reduced sharpness of vision
- Central blind spot
- Color vision problems
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision
- Changes at the macula (bull's eye maculopathy)
- Narrowed retinal blood vessels
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Prevent Blindness America
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't name a gene here. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.
Also known as: abca4 cone-rod dystrophy; cone-rod dystrophy caused by mutation in abca4; cone-rod dystrophy type 3; cord3
Patient organizations
- Prevent Blindness AmericaCone-rod dystrophy 3 · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cone-rod dystrophy 3.
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