According to the American Optometric Association, approximately 80% of what a child learns in school is acquired through vision, and […]
It is estimated that one in every 5000 to one in every 25000 males have X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. While this condition cannot be cured, there are options that can improve visual function.
X-linked juvenile retinoschisis or x-linked retinoschisis is a genetic condition which affects boys and men. The condition is characterized by abnormal splitting of the retinal layers and is the leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration in males.
The condition usually begins in the first decade of life, and the initial visual acuity ranges from 20/60 to 20/120. In the first and second decades, visual acuity usually declines, but remains stable until the fifth or sixth decade. Patients may become legally blind by the sixth or seventh decade, i.e. their visual acuity falls below 20/200.
Having this condition makes everyday tasks, like reading, driving, grocery shopping, cooking, walking and recognizing others, difficult. If you or your loved one is suffering from this condition, our low vision optometrist will perform a low vision evaluation to determine the extent of your remaining vision. Our goal is to maximize your visual independence and enhance the quality of your life by recommending low vision aids based on the results of the eye exam. For instance, children can benefit from large-text books and high-contrast reading materials, while adults can utilize different types of magnifiers, tints, and adaptive softwares to assist them both at home and work.
Furthermore, low vision optometrists can make recommendations for different types of lighting, placement of lights, improving contrast, and reducing glare to make your life better.
Driving with juvenile retinoschisis
Low vision optometrists can help adults make the most of their vision. In most states, drivers with the condition can obtain restricted licenses if they wear bioptic telescopic lenses behind the wheel. A bioptic telescope consists of a pair of glasses with a telescope attached above your normal line of sight. These can be attached to your regular eyeglasses and can be used either for one or both of your eyes. Bioptic lenses magnify images just like binoculars and help you see things better. Using these lenses allows you to see things that are much further away, which is one of their main benefits.
See our page on the driving laws in California with low vision.
Mutations in the RS1 gene on the X chromosome cause X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. This gene produces a protein called retinoschisin. Proteins like this are essential for the development and maintenance of the retina. A lack of normal retinoschisin protein results in splitting of the retina layers, from which the term "schisis" is derived, disruption of inter-cell communication, and loss of vision.
X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is diagnosed through eye examinations using a variety of testing methods. In the majority of cases, people with this condition have reduced vision and schisis visible on examination and imaging, along with abnormal electroretinograms (a test which assesses the retina's function). Some individuals also have a family history of X-linked inheritance. Genetic testing is also available for it. This helps determine an accurate diagnosis as well as the likelihood of a child inheriting the disorder from their parents. The patient is more likely to understand which emerging treatments and clinical trials are most appropriate if they have an accurate diagnosis.
Loss of visual acuity is one of the first signs of x-linked juvenile retinoschisis. Visual prognosis is generally good for uncomplicated cases, and a person may not lose much vision over their lifetime. Some patients may become legally blind.
It is also characterized by cystic macular lesions (like blisters) in the retina. The lesions can cause retinal thickness, which further aggravates vision loss.
Moreover, the disease can progress to vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma, which might cause severe vision loss.
While there is no cure for this disease, there are ways to slow the loss of vision and help you perform daily tasks and engage in social activities.
There are multiple clinical trials underway that are exploring options to treat juvenile retinoschisis. Many are utilizing cutting edge methods of gene therapy. For example, a National Eye Institute funded study explored the use of gene therapy by introducing a healthy RS1 gene into the cells of the eye to see if this improves the production of healthy retinoschisin in the eyes. The trial explored placing the gene in a non-disease-causing virus.Â
Long-term monitoring is required for patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. The disease often progresses rapidly in childhood, so a child should be monitored frequently. In the teenage years to middle age, the disease usually stabilizes, at which point annual dilated fundoscopy exams are adequate. Those who are older are at higher risk for progression, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. These patients should be closely monitored and/or treated. Annual exams with your low vision optometrist will ensure that you are maximizing your remaining vision and up to date on the latest developments that can improve your vision and life.Â
In patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, it is suggested to avoid contact sports and other activities that can cause a hard blow to the head. By doing this, you minimize the risk of retinal detachment or eye bleeding.
Surgery is rarely effective in treating X-linked juvenile retinoschisis because the disease only affects the inner layers of the retina. The surgery, however, may be of help to patients with complete retinal detachment.
X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is a genetic condition that affects males. Having this condition makes everyday tasks, like reading, driving, grocery shopping, cooking, walking and recognizing others, difficult. Our goal is to maximize your visual independence and enhance the quality of your life by recommending low vision aids based on the results of the low vision eye exam. Patients visit our low vision clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading low vision provider in , Long Beach, Lakewood, Los Angeles. You can schedule a low vision evaluation with our low vision optometrist at (562) 925-6591 so that we can determine the best course of treatment for you.
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
Very professional staff and pleasant.
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