Retinitis Pigmentosa
What Is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic disorders that affect the retina’s ability to respond to light. The retina is the layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of your eye that converts light rays into impulses. The impulses are sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where they are recognized as images.
What Are The Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa causes a slow loss of vision. Symptoms begin with decreased night vision and later progress to loss of peripheral (side) vision. Some people may also have difficulty identifying colors. The rate of vision change varies in different people depending on the genetic makeup of their disorder.
Many people retain a wide enough scope of useful vision for a long period of time. In some cases, central vision may be affected first, making detail work difficult, such as reading or threading a needle. This is referred to as macular dystrophy, because the central area of the retina, called the macula, is affected.
What Causes Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa is thought to be caused by defects of certain genes in the body. The defects cause cells in the retina to malfunction and begin to break down. Retinitis pigmentosa is often hereditary (runs in families). If you, or your partner, have retinitis pigmentosa, there may be up to a 50% chance that you will pass it along to your children. Ask your ophthalmologist about genetic counseling if you are planning to have children.
Is There Any Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Research has shown that Vitamin A can slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. Your ophthalmologist can advise you about the risks and benefits of Vitamin A and how much you can take safely.
Research is currently directed toward finding the hereditary cause of many types of retinitis pigmentosa. As hereditary defects are discovered, it may be possible to develop treatments to prevent the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.
Special low-vision aids and services can help people with poor vision continue doing many activities of daily life. Ask your ophthalmologist or contact the following organizations for more information and resources near you.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about retinitis pigmentosa and to schedule a visit with one of our retina specialists, call us toll-free at 800.331.3719 or 206.215.3850. We have locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Bellingham, Burlington, Mountlake Terrace, Kent, and Ellensburg.
