Retina International, a global patient-led organization dedicated to empowering those affected by retinal degenerative diseases, is leading a comprehensive research programme to better understand the broader emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial impacts of these conditions beyond vision loss.

Retinal degenerative diseases including Inherited Retinal Disorders (IRD) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are the leading causes of blindness in working age population and in people above 60 years of age respectively. Retinal degenerative diseases not only affect visual function but also impact the psychological and social well-being of patients and their families. However, the emotional and psychosocial aspects of retinal degenerative diseases are often neglected or poorly understood in clinical practice, research and among policy/decision makers.

Retina International are commencing a three-year research programme investigating the multifaceted burden of retinal degenerative diseases, highlighting the far-reaching impacts that extend beyond visual impairment by using tools that are tailored to identify impact.

One arm of the programme will explore the association between cognitive health and AMD in Ireland by analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) dataset. Retina International will explore the relationship between visual acuity & contrast sensitivity with mental health and cognition (using the MMSE – Mini-Mental State Examination) in both AMD and normal people.