Retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited diseases that damage the light-sensitive rods and cones located in the retina, the light-sensing lining of the inside of the eye. In RP, rods, which provide night and peripheral (side) vision are affected more than the cones which provide color and clear central vision.

Signs of RP usually appear during childhood or adolescence. The first sign is often night blindness followed by a gradual loss of side vision. Over the years, the disease will generally cause further loss of side vision, leaving only a small "island" of vision in the center. As the disease develops, people with RP often bump into chairs and have difficulty maneuvering and getting around, because they cannot see objects or obstacles that are not directly in front of them. For many, the vision is similar to trying to see through a tube or a tunnel (thus the term tunnel vision).

While RP can cause severe or even total vision loss, most cases take a long time to develop and vision loss is gradual. It may take many years for loss of vision to be severe.

Currently, there is no cure for RP, but there is research that indicates that vitamin A and lutein may slow the rate at which the disease progresses. Your doctor of optometry can give you more specific information on nutritional supplements that may help you.

Also, there are many new low vision aids, including telescopic and magnifying lenses, night vision scopes as well as other adaptive devices, that are available that help people maximize the vision that they have remaining. An optometrist experienced in low vision rehabilitation, can provide these devices as well as advice about other training and assistance to help people remain independent and productive.

Since it is an inherited disease, research into genetics may one day provide a prevention or cure for those who have RP.