Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are a group of genetic disorders that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These diseases can lead to vision loss or blindness, often starting in childhood or early adulthood. Common types of IRDs include retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease, which are caused by mutations in specific genes that are essential for retinal health. People with IRDs may experience symptoms like night blindness, loss of peripheral vision, or difficulty seeing colors. Early diagnosis and genetic testing can help in managing these conditions. Research is ongoing to find treatments, including gene therapy, which aims to correct the underlying genetic issues causing these diseases.