The "Awareness Month" project of the Lirot Association is an annual project that takes place in December and is designed to bring the issue of eye health and blindness prevention to the forefront.During this month, we produce a series of digital and physical events across the country, which include many diverse activities intended for the general public.This year we have chosen to focus on the topic: "Hereditary retinal diseases".
Hereditary retinal diseases are caused by dysfunction or death of cells in the retina.This is a broad group of diseases, which are caused by disruptions (mutations) in various genes, responsible for the development and proper functioning of the retina.Today, over 350 different genes are known, damage to any of which can lead to a specific type of hereditary retinal disease.
The various diseases included in this group differ from each other in the type of retinal cells involved, their location within the retina, the age at which the disease appears, and the rate of its progression.Some are congenital, or appear in the first years of life; some appear in late childhood or adulthood; and some appear at a relatively older age.Some of the diseases in this group are static, meaning their symptoms are constant and do not change over time;but most are characterized by a gradual deterioration and worsening of symptoms over time.Some cause partial vision impairment, others may lead to complete blindness.
By focusing on this topic, as part of the "Awareness Month" project, we have tried to address the various challenges in the field of hereditary retinal diseases.
Best regards,Prof. Tamar Ben-Yosef, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion
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