What does this research mean for the field?

Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy (DHRD) and late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) occur in Southeast Asian populations without European heritage, demonstrating that these conditions are not exclusively linked to European founder variants. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to document the occurrence of Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy and late-onset retinal degeneration in Southeast Asia.

March 18, 2026

Drusenoid macular dystrophies in Singaporean Chinese: first report of Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy and late-onset retinal degeneration from Southeast Asia

Key Points

This research aims to document the occurrence of Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy and late-onset retinal degeneration in Southeast Asia.
Identified families with DHRD and L-ORD in Singaporean Chinese population.
Analyzed genetic background to determine heritage and mutations.
Evaluated clinical histories and family patterns of vision loss.
First documented cases of DHRD and L-ORD in Southeast Asia.
Identified unique genetic variations not linked to European ancestry.
Emphasized importance of genetic screening for atypical drusen.

Abstract

DHRD and L-ORD, although originally believed to originate from European founder variants, are now established as probable mutational hotspots. We have now uncovered the first known family with DHRD in Southeast Asia, and the first L-ORD family without European heritage. Early recognition of inherited retinal diseases should be considered in patients with atypical drusen and family history of vision loss.

Bookmark

Cite This Study

Zhang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ba423c4e9516ffd37a23d7 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13816810.2026.2644217

Bookmark