Developmental macular disorders: phenotypes and underlying molecular genetic basis.

The developmental macular disorders form part of a heterogeneous group of retinal conditions that are an important cause of visual impairment in children. The macular abnormality is present from birth and is usually non-progressive but visual loss may occur as a result of complications such as choroidal neovascularisation. To date, most of the causative genes have not been identified but with the advent of next generation sequencing, it is likely that the genetic basis of these disorders will soon be elucidated. Improved knowledge of the underlying molecular genetics and disease mechanisms will raise the possibility of future treatments for these disorders, for which there are no specific therapies available at the present time.