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Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a rare autosomal recessive retinal disorder characterized by color blindness, nystagmus, photophobia, and severely reduced visual acuity due to the absence or impairment of cone function.
No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
Achromatopsia is characterized by reduced visual acuity, pendular nystagmus, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), a small central scotoma (which is often difficult to demonstrate), eccentric fixation, and reduced or complete lack of color discrimination. Hyperopia is common. Nystagmus develops during the first few weeks after birth and is followed by increased sensitivity to bright light. Best visual acuity varies with severity of the disease; it is 20/200 or less in complete achromatopsia and may be as high as 20/80 in incomplete achromatopsia. Visual acuity is usually stable over time, but both nystagmus and sensitivity to bright light may improve slightly.
Achromatopsia should be suspected in individuals with the following typical clinical findings, additional testing, and family history.
Clinical findings
Pendular nystagmus
Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Eccentric fixation
No approved treatments are currently available for achromatopsia. An additional 2 compounds hold orphan drug designation.
While no drugs are FDA-approved specifically for achromatopsia, some of the following designated compounds may be used off-label in clinical practice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a specialist familiar with this condition.
The following drugs have received orphan drug designation from the FDA for achromatopsia. Orphan designation reflects regulatory interest and does not indicate approval for treatment.
Brand Name | Generic Name | Sponsor |
|---|
Ophthalmologic examination is indicated:
Every six to 12 months in children to monitor changes in refraction in order to achieve the best possible corrected visual acuity;
Every two to three years in adults.
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
5 clinical trials registered, 2 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions, biologic therapy, and drug therapy. Pipeline includes 3 PHASE1. Research is sponsored by a mix of industry and academic institutions.
NCT ID | Title | Phase | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[NCT02935517](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02935517) |
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 18, 2026, 1:08 PM UTC
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about achromatopsia
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
Reduced visual acuity
Reduced or complete lack of color discrimination
Small central scotoma
Fundus appearance: normal in many affected individuals, but can show subtle bilateral macular changes such as absence of the foveal reflex, pigment mottling, or narrowing of the retinal vessels. Frank atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the fovea can occur in older individuals.
Additional testing
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
Achromatopsia is readily recognized by its characteristic features . Conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis are congenital nystagmus (as nystagmus is usually one of the first manifestations) and cerebral achromatopsia or dyschromatopsia, which is associated with severe or total color vision deficits and can arise adventitiously after brain fever, cortical trauma, or cerebral infarction, especially involving lesions to the ventral occipital cortex . Inherited retinal dystrophies that may be confused with achromatopsia are summarized in . Table 3. Inherited Retinal Dystrophies to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of Achromatopsia
Disorder | Gene(s) | MOI | Overlapping Clinical Features | Distinguishing Clinical Features | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue-cone monochromatism1 (OMIM 303700) | OPN1LW; OPN1MW2 | XL3 | Severely visual acuity; Eccentric fixation; ± Infantile nystagmus; No obvious fundus abnormalities; Poor or no color discrimination4; Peak of photopic luminosity function is near 440 nm (the peak sensitivity of the S cones), not 507 nm (the peak sensitivity of the rods). | A special 4-color plate test or a 2-color filter test can clinically distinguish blue-cone monochromats from achromats (rod monochromats).; Cone ERG responses can be elicited by presenting blue flashes on a yellow background (because the S cones are functioning in addition to the rods). | — |
Hereditary red-green color vision defects (OMIM 303800, 303900) | OPN1LW, OPN1MW | XL | Color vision defects5 | In hereditary red-green color vision defects:; Most individuals w/protanomalous deuteranomalous color vision defects (i.e., anomalous trichromats) have no major problems in naming colors. | Clinical chart tests widely used to detect red-green color vision defects include Ishihara plates the American Optical HRR pseudoisochromatic plates. |
OPN1SW | AD | Color confusion | Other non-congenital yellow-blue deficits (similar in some ways to tritan defects) may result from aging or disorders of choroid, pigment epithelium, retina, or optic nerve (e.g., optic atrophy type 1; OMIM 165500); they are usually progressive have other related signs; e.g. | — | — |
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for achromatopsia has been reported in the published literature.
Designated
Exclusivity End |
|---|
Designation Status |
|---|
recombinant adeno-associated virus vector expressing the cyclic nucleotide gated channel alpha subunit (CNGA3) | recombinant adeno-associated virus vector expressing the cyclic nucleotide gated channel alpha subunit (CNGA3) | Beacon Therapeutics | 2015 | — | Designated |
recombinant adeno-associated virus vector expressing the cyclic nucleotide gated channel beta subunit (rAAV-CNGB3) | recombinant adeno-associated virus vector expressing the cyclic nucleotide gated channel beta subunit (rAAV-CNGB3) | Beacon Therapeutics | 2011 | — | Designated |
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with achromatopsia, the evaluations summarized in this section (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended:
Standard clinical ophthalmologic evaluation and testing with attention to visual acuity and use of spectacles and/or contact lenses to achieve the best possible corrected visual acuity
Color vision evaluation
Consultation with a clinical geneticist and/or genetic counselor as treatment could be possible in the near future (See .)
Dark or special filter glasses or red-tinted contact lenses reduce photophobia and may improve visual acuity. Low vision aids include high-powered magnifiers for reading as well as digital/electronic devices. Children with achromatopsia should have preferential seating in the classroom (i.e., in the front to benefit maximally from magnifying devices and away from windows to reduce the effects of glare on vision). Extensive information about learning and occupational aids is available from the Achromatopsia Network (www.achromat.info).
Ophthalmologic examination is indicated:
Every six to 12 months in children to monitor changes in refraction in order to achieve the best possible corrected visual acuity;
Every two to three years in adults.
To avoid additional light damage to the retina, it is recommended that individuals wear approp...
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
To avoid additional light damage to the retina, it is recommended that individuals wear appropriate protective (dark) glasses in bright light.
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
In July 2012 a Phase I/II clinical trial (NCT01846052) investigating the therapeutic effects and safety of an intraocular implant releasing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in individuals with CNGB3-related achromatopsia was started. No objectively measurable enhancement of cone function was found by assessments of visual acuity, mesopic increment sensitivity threshold, photopic electroretinogram, or color hue discrimination. Subjectively, individuals reported beneficial changes of visual function in the treated eyes, including reduced light sensitivity and aversion to bright light, but slowed adaptation to darkness, consistent with CNTF action on rod photoreceptors .
Source: GeneReviews — "Achromatopsia"
5 trials found
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 100,000 (Uncommon).
Safety and Efficacy Trial of AAV Gene Therapy in Patients With CNGA3 Achromatopsia (A Clarity Clinical Trial)
PHASE1 |
Beacon Therapeutics |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
[NCT02610582](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02610582) | Safety and Efficacy of rAAV.hCNGA3 Gene Therapy in Patients With CNGA3-linked Achromatopsia | PHASE1 | STZ eyetrial | ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
[NCT02435940](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02435940) | Inherited Retinal Degenerative Disease Registry | — | Foundation Fighting Blindness | RECRUITING |
[NCT02599922](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02599922) | Safety and Efficacy Trial of AAV Gene Therapy in Patients With CNGB3 Achromatopsia (A Clarity Clinical Trial) | PHASE1 | Beacon Therapeutics | ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
[NCT07085533](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07085533) | Natural History Study of Inherited Retinal Diseases | — | Zhongmou Therapeutics | RECRUITING |
77 publications have been identified in PubMed for achromatopsia. Research spans Basic Science / Preclinical (32%), Case Report / Case Series (17%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (16%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Laboratory research | 25 | 32% |
Patient case studies | 13 | 17% |
Disease patterns and progression | 12 | 16% |
Research summaries | 9 | 12% |
Clinical study results | 8 | 10% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 5 | 6% |
New treatment approaches | 5 | 6% |
Pavlou M (2026). [PMID: 42020901](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42020901/). *Methods Mol Biol*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Carroll J (2026). [PMID: 42106191](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42106191/). *Handb Clin Neurol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Little DR (2026). [PMID: 41867838](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41867838/). *bioRxiv*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Zaki HF (2026). [PMID: 42264060](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42264060/). *Exp Eye Res*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Sonehra (2026). [PMID: 42099125](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42099125/). *Ophthalmic Genet*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Mizobuchi K (2026). [PMID: 42102949](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42102949/). *Am J Ophthalmol*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Kahtan BE (2026). [PMID: 41490227](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41490227/). *Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Ekemiri K (2026). [PMID: 41760155](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41760155/). *BMJ open*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Altinbay D (2026). [PMID: 41543258](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41543258/). *Current eye research*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Hertle RW (2026). [PMID: 41884912](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41884912/). *Indian J Ophthalmol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
AI-curated news mentioning achromatopsia
Updated Jul 29, 2026
A study highlights progressive cone dystrophy linked to PDE6C-associated achromatopsia, identifying a likely pathogenic variant and a variant of uncertain significance. This research contributes to understanding the genetic underpinnings of visual disorders.
Blue Gen Therapeutics Foundation is advancing BGTF-027, a gene therapy for achromatopsia, to a phase 1 clinical trial within the next 18 months. This investigational therapy encodes a functional CNGB3 gene, aiming to address the vision impairment associated with this rare eye disease.