J
- Juvenile retinoschisis, or X-linked retinoschisis
- It is an inherited disease that causes progressive loss of central and side vision as a result of degeneration of the retina. Loss of sight usually occurs at about age thirteen and almost always occurs in males. The condition begins at birth, but there are usually no symptoms until about the age of ten when a decline in vision begins. Other early signs of the disease include involuntary eye movements and the loss of ability to focus both eyes on an object. Blindness sometimes occurs within three years of diagnosis. However, some people with the disease retain some vision into adulthood.
JR is genetically passed along by the X-linked pattern of inheritance, because the gene for the disease is located on the X chromosome. There is no treatment or cure, but surgery can be performed to repair retinal detachments, which often occur as part of the disease. Those with the disease may benefit from the use of low-vision aids, orientation, and mobility training
