Coats' disease is sometimes spelt Coates'
disease.
It is also known as exudative retinitis, and retinal
telangiectasis.
Coats' disease is a rare congenital (meaning
present since birth) but not hereditary condition in which the
blood vessels of
the retina of
the eye are abnormally
dilated (expanded) and leaking. It usually affects only one eye (unilateral)
This condition of the retinal blood vessels results in subretinal haemorrhage
and considerable slow escape/release of liquid including proteins and
white
blood cells through the unbroken blood vessels (which is called "exudation").
The consequences of Coats' disease for the patient's
vision may include deterioration in either central or peripheral vision.
Symptoms typically become apparent in the form of blurred vision that
seems to be worse when one eye is closed. The unaffected eye may compensate
for the loss of vision in the other eye, albeit resulting in reduction
in depth perception. Pain may occur if fluid cannot drain from the eye
resulting in increased internal pressure within the eye. (Though Coats'
disease is not necessarily painful).
Although there is a possibility of consequential retinal
detachment if the condition develops, in some cases Coats'
disease has been known to cease without getting worse, even without
treatment. However - anyone with concerns about this or any other
medical condition is strongly advised to seek appropriate professional
advice in person.
Coats' disease is named after British Ophthalmologist,
George Coats (1876 - 1915). |
Ref: G. Coats. Forms of retinal disease
with massive exudation. Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital Reports,
1908, 17, 3: 440-525. |
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
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Diseases
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