Overview
Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy (sometimes called BCAMD) is a rare inherited eye condition that affects the macula — the small central part of the retina at the back of your eye that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In this condition, the cells in the macula slowly break down over time, forming a distinctive ring-shaped (annular) pattern of damage that can be seen during an eye exam. The word 'benign' in the name reflects that the disease tends to progress slowly and does not usually lead to complete blindness, though it does cause meaningful vision changes. The main symptom is a gradual loss of central vision, which is the vision you use for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. Side (peripheral) vision is usually preserved. Some people also notice that colors look less vivid or that they have difficulty seeing in low light. Symptoms often begin in adulthood, though the age of onset can vary. There is currently no cure or approved treatment that can stop or reverse the damage to the macula in this condition. Care focuses on monitoring vision changes, using low-vision aids such as magnifiers, and adapting daily activities to make the most of remaining peripheral vision. Regular follow-up with a retinal specialist is important to track how the condition is progressing.
Key symptoms:
Gradual loss of central (straight-ahead) visionDifficulty reading small printTrouble recognizing facesColors appearing less bright or washed outDifficulty seeing in dim lighting or at nightA blurry or dark spot in the center of visionReduced ability to see fine detailsPeripheral (side) vision remains largely intact
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How quickly do you expect my vision to change, and what signs should I watch for?,Should my children or siblings be tested for this condition?,What genetic testing do you recommend, and what will the results tell us?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?,What low-vision aids or rehabilitation programs do you recommend for me?,Are there any lifestyle changes or supplements that might help protect my remaining vision?,How often should I have my eyes checked, and what tests will you use to monitor my condition?
Common questions about Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy
What is Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy?
Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy (sometimes called BCAMD) is a rare inherited eye condition that affects the macula — the small central part of the retina at the back of your eye that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In this condition, the cells in the macula slowly break down over time, forming a distinctive ring-shaped (annular) pattern of damage that can be seen during an eye exam. The word 'benign' in the name reflects that the disease tends to progress slowly and does not usually lead to complete blindness, though it does cause meaningful vision changes. The main sym
How is Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy inherited?
Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy typically begin?
Typical onset of Benign concentric annular macular dystrophy is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.