Retinal dystrophy is a general term given to a range of chronic and progressive eye conditions. It is an inherited form of retinopathy (damage to the retinas), in which vision deteriorates in one or both eyes due to a genetic defect. 

Among the conditions associated with retinal dystrophy are retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Batten disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, and Stargardt's disease. Some retinal dystrophies are diagnosed in childhood, but in other cases, symptoms do not develop until later life. 

Common symptoms of retinal dystrophy include diminished ability to see at night, sensitivity to light, tunnel vision, problems seeing in dimly lit conditions, and loss of vision. 

There is no cure for retinal dystrophies, but treatment options include surgery and gene therapy medication.