The retina contains two main types of light-sensing cells: rods and cones. Rods are highly sensitive and function better in low light, while cones are more effective in bright light and are responsible for colour vision. Although cones are distributed throughout the retina, they are most densely packed around the macula.
Cone dystrophy impairs the function of cones, resulting in a loss of central and colour vision. In cases of stationary dystrophy, individuals experience a stable level of sight loss from birth or early childhood.
Progressive dystrophy, on the other hand, develops later and leads to a gradual decline in vision over time. Cone dystrophy can be inherited in various ways, depending on the specific mutation or error in the gene. Some forms are inherited dominantly, meaning they manifest in anyone who has one copy of the gene. Others are recessive, allowing individuals to carry the faulty gene without displaying symptoms.