Color vision defect as first symptom of progressive cone-rod dystrophy

A 15-year-old girl complained of color vision difficulties and was found to have an acquired color vision defect with no other abnormalities in the eyes. After 9 years, in addition to the color vision defect, there was gradual loss of visual acuity in both eyes, small central scotomas in the visual fields, elevation of the cone and rod thresholds in the dark adaptation, and decreased response in the photopic and scotopic electroretinogram. The diagnosis of a progressive cone-rod dystrophy was made. It is unusual for cone-rod dystrophy to begin with a distinct color vision defect only; the case report is presented.