Coats' Disease
Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
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Coats’ disease is a rare condition where the blood vessels in the retina develop abnormally, causing them to leak fluid. This leakage can lead to vision problems and, if left untreated, may result in retinal detachment and vision loss in the affected eye. According to research, Coats’ disease is very rare, affecting an estimated 0.09 per 100,000 people, which means there are likely only a handful of cases in the entire Washington Metro Area. At our retina clinic in Silver Spring, serving patients from Bethesda, Rockville, Wheaton, and beyond, our specialist uses advanced technology to provide an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan to protect your or your child’s vision.
Understanding and Defining Coats' Disease
Key Clinical Studies and Patient Data
Common Signs and Indications of Coats' Disease
Meet Our Retina Specialist: Preserving Sight With Expertise and Compassion
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained retina specialist combines decades of surgical expertise with a warm, patient-first approach to care. Leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments, he is dedicated to preserving and restoring the sight of every individual who walks through our doors.
The 5 Stages of Coats' Disease
Coats’ Disease is a rare eye condition that gets worse over time. It is important to know that the disease is often diagnosed at a later stage. In one study, 38% of children were already at Stage 3 at their first diagnosis, and more than half had some form of retinal detachment (Stage 3 or higher). This is why early detection of symptoms is so critical. Knowing what stage it’s in helps guide treatment and improve results. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
Differentiating Coats' Disease from Other Conditions
Coats’ Disease can share some early signs with other retinal diseases, especially in children, which makes an accurate diagnosis essential.
What Causes Coats' Disease
The exact cause of Coats’ Disease is unknown. It is considered idiopathic, meaning it develops without a clear reason and does not typically run in families. While rare gene mutations have occasionally been reported in some cases, there is no strong evidence that Coats’ Disease is inherited.
How Coats’ Disease Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing Coats’ Disease requires a careful and thorough approach using both clinical evaluation and advanced imaging.
Management by
Our Retina Specialist
Our retina specialist is dedicated to providing individualized care for every patient. Your child’s treatment journey begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation using state-of-the-art imaging technology to assess the extent of the leaking blood vessels and any associated retinal detachment. Based on these findings, our expert, who has held academic and leadership roles at institutions like Northwestern and Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, will develop a customized treatment plan. This may involve laser therapy to seal the leaking vessels or other advanced surgical procedures. Our focus is on preserving vision and providing compassionate, long-term management for this rare condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Retina Specialist in Montgomery County & The Greater Washington Metro Area
Coats’ Disease is a serious condition that requires prompt and expert care to prevent significant vision loss. At DC Retina, our nationally recognized retina specialist is committed to diagnosing and managing this rare disorder with a personalized approach tailored to your child’s specific needs. Through ongoing monitoring and the use of cutting-edge treatments, we strive to safeguard your child’s vision and overall eye health. Trust our team to provide the highest standard of care. We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.