Overview
Central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) is a rare inherited eye disease that slowly damages the central part of the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. The retina has a special zone called the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. In CACD, the layer beneath the macula called the choroid gradually breaks down, along with the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), leading to a well-defined area of tissue loss right in the center of your vision. This condition is also sometimes called central areolar choroidal sclerosis. Most people with CACD begin noticing subtle changes in their central vision during their 30s or 40s, though the disease can start earlier or later. Common symptoms include blurry or distorted central vision, difficulty reading small print, and trouble seeing fine details. Side (peripheral) vision is usually preserved, so most people do not become completely blind. Over time, a blind spot may develop in the center of the visual field. There is currently no cure for CACD, and no treatment has been proven to stop or reverse the damage. Management focuses on monitoring vision changes, using low-vision aids such as magnifiers and special lighting, and protecting the eyes from further harm. Research into gene therapy and other approaches is ongoing, giving hope for future treatments.
Key symptoms:
Blurry or hazy central visionDifficulty reading small print or fine textTrouble recognizing facesA dark or empty spot in the center of vision (central scotoma)Distorted or wavy appearance of straight linesColors appearing less vivid or washed outDifficulty seeing in low light or at nightGradual worsening of central vision over yearsPreserved side (peripheral) vision
Clinical phenotype terms (17)— hover any for plain English
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 Central areolar choroidal dystrophy.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Central areolar choroidal 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 Central areolar choroidal dystrophy.
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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.Which gene is causing my CACD, and what does that mean for my children or siblings?,How quickly do you expect my vision to change, and what signs should prompt me to call you sooner?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?,What low-vision aids or rehabilitation services do you recommend for my current level of vision?,Should I take any vitamin supplements, and are there lifestyle changes that might help protect my remaining vision?,When will I need to stop driving, and how will we make that decision together?,Are there any new treatments on the horizon that I should know about?
Common questions about Central areolar choroidal dystrophy
What is Central areolar choroidal dystrophy?
Central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) is a rare inherited eye disease that slowly damages the central part of the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. The retina has a special zone called the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. In CACD, the layer beneath the macula called the choroid gradually breaks down, along with the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), leading to a well-defined area of tissue loss right in the center of your vision. This condition is also sometimes called central ar
How is Central areolar choroidal dystrophy inherited?
Central areolar choroidal dystrophy follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Central areolar choroidal dystrophy typically begin?
Typical onset of Central areolar choroidal dystrophy is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.