Cone rod Dystrophy SAVIR GmbH

What is Cone rod Dystrophy?

Cone rod dystrophy (CRD) is a rare, hereditary retinal disorder that affects both cone and rod cells in the retina. These highly specialized “receptor cells” convert light impulses into nerve impulses, effectively functioning like a biological photon detector or photo chip. This progressive disease leads to a gradual loss of visual acuity, color vision disturbances, and night blindness.

Prof. Bernhard Sabel

“The optimization of residual vision is a holistic complement to ophthalmological care such as eye drops or surgeries. We continue where ophthalmology stops. We combine conventional medical science with new findings from modern brain research and traditional medicine methods.”

The causes of Cone rod Dystrophy

CRD is caused by genetic mutations that impair the metabolism of retinal cells. In most cases, it is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; autosomal dominant forms occur less frequently. The affected genes regulate the structure or function of the photoreceptors in the retina. Although the cones (responsible for color and daytime vision) are affected first, the disease continues to progress and eventually impacts the rods, which are essential for vision in low-light conditions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cone rod Dystrophy

The first signs of CRD often appear in childhood or adolescence and worsen over time. Patients typically initially notice a progressive decline in visual acuity, especially during daylight. Color vision deficits are also among the early symptoms, since cones are responsible for color perception. Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) can make bright light feel uncomfortable or even painful. As the condition advances, the rods become affected as well, leading to night blindness — patients experience increasing difficulty navigating in dark or dimly lit environments. In later stages, peripheral vision may become restricted, often described as “tunnel vision.” Diagnosis involves ophthalmological examinations such as electroretinography (ERG), which measures the function of the photoreceptors. Genetic testing can also identify the specific mutation and confirm the diagnosis.

How is Cone rod Dystrophy treated?

Currently, there is no cure for cone-rod dystrophy, but various measures can help slow its progression or optimize remaining vision:


Eye Protection: Tinted glasses or edge filters can reduce light sensitivity and make everyday vision more comfortable.

Vision Aids: Magnifying devices, screen readers, or digital magnifiers allow those affected to better perceive visual information despite reduced visual acuity.

Vitamin A Therapy: Some studies suggest that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants, may have a protective effect on the retina, although the scientific evidence remains inconclusive.

How can SAVIR therapy help with amblyopia?

SAVIR therapy takes a holistic approach to support the remaining visual function and optimize neural processing in the brain. One promising method is microcurrent stimulation, particularly transorbital alternating current stimulation (tACS). This non-invasive technique uses low-intensity electrical impulses to enhance the activity of the retina and visual processing in the brain.

Previous studies and treatment approaches indicate that microcurrent stimulation can help improve visual acuity by stabilizing neuronal communication and optimizing residual functional vision. Given that fear of blindness can cause significant stress, it is important to recognize that such secondary effects may also impair the processing of visual signals. A slowing of disease progression has been noted in other degenerative retinal diseases through this approach.

While CRD is a genetic condition that cannot be cured, SAVIR therapy offers a promising way to improve quality of life and bolster visual perception in affected patients. Although it cannot repair the underlying gene defect, it can mitigate secondary damage to visual function – such as reduced cellular energy supply (blood flow) – and optimize stimulus processing in the brain.

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