Retinitis Pigmentosa

What is retinitis pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a collection of uncommon eye disorders that impact the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue layer located at the back of the eye. RP leads to a gradual deterioration of the retinal cells over time, resulting in vision impairment.

This condition is hereditary, meaning individuals are born with it. Symptoms typically begin during childhood, and the majority of individuals will ultimately experience significant vision loss.

Currently, there is no known cure for RP. However, visual aids and rehabilitation programs can assist those affected by RP in maximizing their remaining vision.

What are the symptoms of RP?

The most prevalent initial symptom of RP is the loss of night vision, which usually begins in childhood. Parents may observe that children with RP struggle to navigate in low-light conditions or have difficulty adjusting to dim environments.

Additionally, RP leads to a reduction in peripheral vision, making it challenging to see objects in the periphery of one’s field of view. Over time, the visual field narrows, resulting in a condition known as tunnel vision, where only central vision remains.

The rate of vision loss varies among individuals with RP; some may experience a more rapid decline than others. Ultimately, most individuals with RP will lose both their peripheral and central vision.

Other symptoms associated with RP include:

  • Increased sensitivity to bright lights

  • Diminished color perception

What causes RP?

In most cases, RP is attributed to mutations in genes that regulate retinal cells. These genetic alterations are inherited from parents to their offspring.

RP is associated with a variety of genes and can be passed down through different inheritance patterns. If you have RP, it may be beneficial to consult with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor to understand your chances of transmitting RP to your children.

In some instances, RP may occur as part of other genetic disorders, such as Usher syndrome, which results in both vision and hearing loss.

RP can also arise from certain medications, infections, or eye injuries, although these causes are less frequent.

How will my doctor check for RP?

Eye care professionals can diagnose RP during a thorough dilated eye examination. This procedure is straightforward and painless; the doctor will administer eye drops to widen your pupils and then examine your eyes for signs of RP and other ocular issues. The examination includes a visual field test to assess peripheral vision.

Additional tests for RP may include:

  • Electroretinography (ERG): This test allows the eye doctor to evaluate how effectively your retina responds to light.

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This procedure employs light waves to create a detailed image of your retina.

  • Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging: In this test, the eye doctor utilizes blue light to capture an image of the retina.

  • Genetic testing: Your physician may recommend genetic testing to gain insights into the specific type of RP you have, which can provide information on how your symptoms may evolve over time.

What’s the treatment for RP?

While there is no cure for RP, low vision aids and rehabilitation programs can support individuals with RP in optimizing their vision.

You may also want to discuss with your eye doctor the potential benefits of vitamins and supplements for RP. Vitamin A has been suggested to help slow down vision loss associated with common forms of RP. However, excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to liver complications, so it’s essential to consult your doctor regarding the advantages and risks of this treatment. Fish oil and lutein supplements may also contribute to slowing vision deterioration.

Get regular eye exams

It is crucial for individuals with RP to undergo regular eye examinations. This allows the eye doctor to monitor symptoms and identify appropriate treatments.

Those with RP are also at a higher risk of developing other eye conditions, such as:

Routine eye exams enable your eye care provider to detect and address these issues early on, helping you to make the most of your vision.