Aberrant retinoic acid signaling driven by the degenerating outer retina leads to
pathological changes to the inner retina. The resulting hyperactivity of retinal ganglion
cells leads to further diminution of the remaining vision in those afflicted with inherited
retinal diseases. Inhibition of this pathway has led to improved visual function in murine
models of retinal degeneration. This can be accomplished in humans with the FDA-approved
irreversible inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenases, disulfiram.