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Symptoms & Progression

The first symptom of choroideremia (CHM) is usually night blindness, which often appears in childhood or early adulthood. This is followed by loss of vision in the mid-peripheral area, which can begin in the late teens or twenties. These “blind spots” typically form an irregular ring, leaving only patches of peripheral vision while central vision remains intact. Over time, peripheral vision loss progresses in both directions, eventually leading to “tunnel vision” in the thirties or forties.

Other changes may include reduced visual acuity, diminished depth perception, color vision changes, increased sensitivity to glare, and worsening night blindness. The rate of progression and the severity of vision loss vary widely among affected individuals, even within the same family.

The below images demonstrate the typical progression of vision loss in a male affected by choroideremia (CHM) from childhood through adulthood.

Vision with CHM as a Newborn

Vision with CHM at Age 15

Vision with CHM at Age 25

Vision with CHM at Age 35

Vision with CHM at Age 45

Vision with CHM at Age 55

In addition to changes in the visual field, people with CHM may also experience:

  • Reduced visual acuity (sharpness or clarity of vision)
  • Diminished depth perception, making it harder to judge distances
  • Color vision changes, often affecting the ability to distinguish shaded 
  • Increased sensitivity to glare
  • Worsening night blindness as the disease advances

The rate and severity of progression vary widely, even among member of the same family. Some individuals may retain useful vision well into later adulthood, while others may experience more rapid decline.

View of a city street at night with streetlights illuminating the road, sidewalks, and buildings, showing clear visibility and normal night vision.
Same city street at night, but much of the scene is dark and details are obscured, illustrating how someone with choroideremia may experience reduced night vision and difficulty seeing in low light.

Example of the Impact of Choroideremia (CHM) Over Time

Video credit: Biogen