Colorado Retina is proud to partner with the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), a leading driver of inherited retinal disease research. We are currently conducting an international FFB study for people with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) caused by EYS gene mutations. RP is a group of rare genetic disorders that causes a breakdown of cells in the retina, leading to a loss of peripheral and night vision and eventual loss of central vision. EYS-related RP is a rare disease, so we currently do not know how this disease changes one's eyesight over time. Natural history studies, like Pro-EYS, provide a baseline for future research and help us understand the impact any therapy may have on the natural progression of the disease. This four-year study has two goals; determining how quickly vision is lost and identifying the usefulness of various tests for future clinical trials. Colorado Retina is currently the highest enrolled site in the US on this globally recruited project – helping further propel the development of treatments for RP!

XLRP is an inherited condition that causes progressive vision loss in mostly in boys and young men. Characteristics of the disease include night blindness in early childhood and progressive constriction of the visual field. In general, people with XLRP experience a gradual decline in vision, typically leading to legal blindness in their 30s. Colorado Retina is currently negotiating for an FDA-regulated clinical trial studying gene therapy for males with XLRP. This study, sponsored by the biotech company AGTC, is presently undergoing phase 1/2 trials. Colorado Retina would continue this trial into phase 2/3.