A Combined Approach of Syntonic Phototherapy along with Vision Therapy in Treatment of Rod-Cone Dystrophy: A Ray of Hope - Case Series Report

Abstract

Background: Rod-Cone Dystrophies (RCDs) are characterized by the dominant clinical features of rods manifestation predominantly over the cones such as night blindness and peripheral vision worsening that leads to restricted activities of daily living. There are no medical or surgical treatments available for this disease. A combined approach of syntonic phototherapy along with the vision therapy may be a viable treatment option for the improvement in visual efficiency skills and visual function of RCD patients. Case Reports: Case 1: A female, aged 47 years old, diagnosed with severe RCD and complained of poor sight and difficulty in seeing at night in both eyes along with progressive diminution of vision for the past ten years. Case 2: A boy, 11 years of age, diagnosed with severe RCD and presented with major complaints of progressive vision loss, photophobia and falling short in school performance. Both patients were recommended for a combined treatment approach of syntonic phototherapy combined with vision therapy to be completed in our centre. Conclusion: These two patients showed significant improvement in visual acuity, oculomotor motility and visual field. Further research is recommended to enrich our understanding on the use of syntonic phototherapy along with vision therapy in managing patients with RCD which otherwise lacks in specific medical or surgical treatment.