We sign this petition to show the public outcry for research into Coats Disease. Coats’ disease is a very rare condition where there is abnormal development in the blood vessels behind the retina. The blood rich retinal capillaries break open, leaking the serum portion of the blood into the back of eye. The leakage causes the retina to swell, and can cause partial or complete detachment of the retina. Coats' disease is seen predominantly in males, about 69 percent of the cases. It progresses gradually and affects central vision. It is almost always unilateral (affects only one eye). If caught early, some level of vision can typically be restored. If not caught until it's late stages, complete loss of vision can occur. In it's final stages, enucleation (removal of the affected eye) is a potential outcome. We have taken it upon ourselves to bring to your attention the need for research to identify causes, improve treatment and identify possible cures. Joshua price is our inspiration for raising awareness of coats disease as at the age of 3 he was diagnosed. His condition has worsened to the point that now aged 7 he is about to face surgery to remove the affected eye. We believe if research had been done earlier Joshua may have had other alternatives but as his case is so advanced we want to make sure children of the future have a better chance in their fight for sight.

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