RYAN
My name is Ryan Stach and I am 25 years old. I was diagnosed with Coats’ Disease when I was seven. After going through six laser eye surgeries the following two years, the Coats’ in my right eye went into remission. By the age of 18, my superior vision had been worn down from the surgeries, leaving me with partial blindness in my right eye. Recently, I have found out that the Coats’ was discovered in my left eye, though I have yet to see any significant change in my dominant eye’s vision. Luckily, it has been caught early on. Despite being partially blind in my right eye (and now with Coats’ being detected in my left eye) I am still proud to say that I work as a photographer in the Austin, Texas area.
I discovered the Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation while looking for a new doctor in Austin. Reading everyone’s stories has inspired me to continue my work as a photographer, especially after finding out that the Coats’ had spread to my left eye. It’s amazing to see everyone overcoming this and continuing to lead normal day-to-day lives. I appreciate you all for being so inspirational. I hope there will come a day where we understand this disease better and even find a cure for it. Regardless, I am proud of everyone to continue moving forward!
FAQ
At the Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation, we are often contacted by anxious parents or patients who are seeking information after receiving a diagnosis of Coats’ Disease. The questions below are provided as a resource to assist you as you and your doctor decide the best approach for treatment. These questions do not constitute any form of medical advice or diagnosis. Each patient is unique. An experienced retinal specialist who has examined the patient is the best source of information for diagnosis and treatment. We always recommend getting a second opinion.
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Ahead of any treatments or procedures, it is important to ask yourself and the doctor the following questions:
How do you know that this is Coats’ Disease?
Has your doctor treated other patients with Coats’ Disease?
Have you sought a second opinion? If not, please consult our Doctor Directory for knowledgeable doctors in your area.
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What Stage of Coats’ Disease is he/she in?
Will his/her vision get worse over time?
Will the eye have pain?
Will his/her eye start to turn out? Is muscle corrective surgery an option?
Are cataracts likely?
How likely is glaucoma? (due to retinal detachment)
Is there calcification?
What is the anticipated disease progression?
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Is there a thorough vision exam available?
Where is the vision affected? (central/peripheral/distance)
Does he/she have depth perception? (3D visibility)
What about the non-Coats’ eye?
To what extent is his/her vision affected?
Will we be able to use this as a baseline to measure progress/decline?
