Understanding Coats disease

Coats disease

Coats disease is a rare eye condition that mainly affects children. It is characterized by an abnormality of the retinal blood vessels, which leads to progressive vision loss. In this article, our ophthalmologist Dr. Stéphanie Zwillinger invites you to learn more about this disease: its cause, its symptoms, its risks, but also how to detect and treat it.

 

coats disease

What is

Coats disease ?

Coats disease, also known as Coats exudative retinitis, is a rare and progressive eye condition that primarily affects children and adolescents, but also young adults.


It is characterized by abnormalities of the retinal blood vessels, resulting in progressive loss of vision. Visual acuity (the ability to see details clearly and accurately) is greatly affected in people with the disease due to vascular changes and fluid buildup under the retina.

What causes

Coats disease ?

Although the precise cause of this disease is still unknown, some research suggests that it may be due to genetic factors or abnormalities in vascular development during eye growth.


This condition is mainly caused by a congenital abnormality of the retinal blood vessels, which leads to their dilation and fragility. This leads to retinal hemorrhages and the accumulation of serum under the retina, causing macular degeneration and retinal detachment.

As a reminder, the retina is the part of the eye responsible for vision, and is made up of photosensitive cells that convert light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain by the optic nerve. The sharpness of vision therefore depends on the health of the retina and the quality of communication between the latter and the brain.

What are the symptoms of Coats disease ?

Symptoms of Coats disease include:

 

  • blurred vision;
  • decreased visual acuity;
  • visual field disturbances;
  • sometimes total blindness


Screening as soon as it appears makes it possible to set up an early treatment which will improve visual results and prevent the progression of the disease. Don’t forget your appointment with the ophthalmologist !

risk of coats disease

What are the risks

of Coats disease?

This ocular pathology causes deterioration of visual acuity and visual field. If not treated in time, Coats disease can lead to partial blindness or even complete loss of vision.

Affected children and adults may have symptoms such as:


It is important that the people concerned benefit from regular ophthalmological follow-up, in order to detect any evolution or complication of the pathology, and to adjust the treatment accordingly.

How to detect

Coats disease ?

The diagnosis of Coats disease is made by our ophthalmic surgeon Dr Stéphanie Zwillinger. With our COP9 team, we carry out examinations such as:

These tests can detect abnormalities in the blood vessels of the retina, as well as the possible presence of detachments or membranes in the eye.

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment is prescribed by the ophthalmologist. It aims to prevent retinal detachment and improve vision.

How to detect

Coats disease ?

The diagnosis of Coats disease is made by our ophthalmic surgeon Dr Stéphanie Zwillinger. With our COP9 team, we carry out examinations such as:

These tests can detect abnormalities in the blood vessels of the retina, as well as the possible presence of detachments or membranes in the eye.

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment is prescribed by the ophthalmologist. It aims to prevent retinal detachment and improve vision.

How to treat Coats disease ?

Treatment for Coats disease depends on the severity of the disease. In mild cases, regular monitoring by our ophthalmologist may be sufficient.

However, in more advanced cases, surgery such as a vitrectomy may be needed to drain excess fluid and repair damaged blood vessels. Intraocular injections can also be used to reduce macular edema and prevent disease progression. Laser treatment can also be used to close abnormal blood vessels and prevent retinal hemorrhages.

In some cases, vision rehabilitation or optical prostheses, such as special contact lenses or implants, may be recommended to improve vision and quality of life. Our COP9 office is made up of a team of orthoptists, a contactologist and psychomotor therapist to meet your personalized follow-up needs: do not hesitate to meet with us.

In conclusion on Coats disease

Coats disease is a rare eye condition that mainly affects children and young adults. It is characterized by abnormalities of the retinal blood vessels, resulting in progressive loss of vision. Early detection and regular ophthalmological follow-up are essential to prevent disease progression and minimize visual complications. Appropriate treatment, such as intraocular injections or surgery, may be needed to maintain or improve vision in patients.

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