day blindness

Colorblindness-Achromatopsia 4

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

The ocular phenotype in ACHM4 is similar to that of other forms of achromatopsia.  Nystagmus, poor visual acuity, photophobia, and defects in color vision are usually present.  Some subjects, however, retain some color discrimination, a condition referred to as incomplete achromatopsia.  The ERG documents the absence of cone function but normal rod responses.  The retina appears normal clinically.

Few families have been reported and the complete phenotype remains undocumented.  For example, it has been reported that visual acuity weakens with age in some patients although it is uncertain if this is true of all cases. 

Systemic Features: 

No systemic abnormalities are associated. 

Genetics

This is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in GNAT2 located at 1p13.  These mutations account for less than 2% of achromatopsia cases.  The majority are caused by mutations in CNGA3 (25%), responsible for ACHM2 (216900) and CNGB3 (50%), causing ACHM3 (262300).  Mutations in PDE6C (613093 ) causing ACHM5 are responsible for less than 2%. No doubt others will be found as many cases do not have mutations in these genes. 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available for this disorder but tinted lenses and low vision aids can be helpful.  Red contact lenses can reduce the photophobia and may improve vision. 

References
Article Title: 

Colorblindness-Achromatopsia 2

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Patients with this congenital, nonprogressive condition often have nystagmus as infants which may improve later. Eccentric fixation secondary to a small central scotoma is often present.  Visual acuity is 20/200 or worse.  Hyperopia is common.  Photophobia is extreme and vision under daylight conditions improves in dim light.  Patients are unable to distinguish any colors.  However, there is considerable variability in symptoms and some individuals retain some color perception and have better visual acuity (sometimes 20/80) than others suggesting some residual cone function.  The term ‘incomplete achromatopsia’ is sometimes applied to such cases but the molecular basis for this variation is unknown.  Optical coherence tomography reveals the central retina to be thinner than in normal controls.  The fundus appearance is normal, however.

ERG responses indicate an absence of cone function with no photopic responses. 

Systemic Features: 

There are no associated systemic abnormalities. 

Genetics

Mutations in CNGA3 account for approximately 25% of cases of achromatopsia.  ACHM2 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in CNGA3 (2q11).  Mutations in this gene also have been found in rare patients with progressive cone dystrophies.  A clinically similar but genetically distinct disorder, ACHM3, results from mutations in CNGB3 (262300).  Mutations in GNAT2 (ACHM4; 139340) and PDE6C (ACHM5; 613093) also cause achromatopsia. 

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

There is no treatment for the underlying condition but darkly tinted lenses can help in bright light.  Red contact lenses can alleviate photophobia and improve vision as well.  Low vision aids and vocational training can be of great benefit.  In spite of the poor vision, some patients may find that correction of the hyperopia enables them to see better. 

References
Article Title: 

Colorblindness-Achromatopsia 3

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Achromatopsia 3 is a congenital, nonprogressive form of blindness.  It is sometimes referred to as a rod monochromacy or stationary cone dystrophy.  Symptoms are usually present at birth or shortly thereafter.  Patients have pendular nystagmus, progressive lens opacities, severe photophobia, 'day' blindness, and, of course, color blindness.  High myopia is a feature in some populations.  Vision in daylight is often 20/200 or less but vision in dim light is somewhat better. The central scotoma often leads to eccentric fixation. 

The ERG shows a complete absence of cone function.  Optical coherence tomography has demonstrated a reduction in macular volume and thickness of the central retina, most marked in the foveolar region, presumably due in some way to the absence or dysfunction of cone photoreceptors.  Few histologic studies of adequately preserved retina have been reported but those available suggest dysmorphism of cones in the central macula.  The clinical appearance of the retina is usually normal. 

Systemic Features: 

There are no associated systemic abnormalities. 

Genetics

This is an autosomal recessive form of color blindness caused by mutations in CNGB3 (8q21-q22).  This mutation is found in nearly half of patients with achromatopsia.  It is especially common among Pingelapese islanders of the Pacific Caroline Islands where consanguinity occurs frequently due to the founder effect resulting from a 1775 typhoon.  A progressive cone dystrophy has been found in a few patients with mutations in this gene.

Other achromatopsia mutations are in CNGA3 causing ACHM2 (216900), GNAT2 causing ACHM4 (139340), and PDE6C causing ACHM5 (613093).   

Pedigree: 
Autosomal recessive
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

No treatment is available but darkly tinted lenses can alleviate much of the photophobia.  Low vision aids and vocational training should be offered.  Refractive errors should, of course, be corrected and periodic examinations are especially important in children. 

References
Article Title: 

The cone dysfunction syndromes

Michaelides M, Hunt DM, Moore AT. The cone dysfunction syndromes. Br J Ophthalmol. 2004 Feb;88(2):291-7. Review.

PubMed ID: 
14736794
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