Which condition is associated with a cherry red spot on the retina?

A cherry red spot on the retina is a characteristic finding associated with Tay-Sachs disease and other conditions that involve metabolic issues. In Tay-Sachs disease, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, there is an accumulation of certain lipids due to a deficiency of the enzyme hexosaminidase A. This leads to neuronal damage and results in a distinctive appearance of the retina, with a cherry red spot observed against a pale background, which is caused by a lack of the retina's normal blood supply.

This unique retinal manifestation occurs because the macula, which is the area of highest concentration of retinal ganglion cells, appears red due to the healthy retinal layers being surrounded by the pale, atrophied layers resulting from the disease. Recognizing this feature can be crucial for diagnosis, indicating underlying systemic issues related to lipid metabolism.

In contrast, other conditions listed, such as diabetes and glaucoma, do not typically present with a cherry red spot; they have different hallmark manifestations in the retina. Retinitis pigmentosa is associated with a gradual loss of peripheral vision and pigmentary changes in the retina but not specifically a cherry red spot.