Inherited retinal diseases, also known as IRDs, refer to a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the retina, the light-sensitive nerve layer at the back of the eye.
IRDs damage the rod and/or cone photoreceptor cells in the retina. Generally, rods help us see in dim light, while cones help with colour and central vision. There are many types of IRDs, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), cone-rod dystrophies (CRD) and macular dystrophies.
A study of the Singaporean population showed that between one in 1,000 to 2,000 Singaporeans are affected by IRDs.
