Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic diseases, which affect the ability of the retina to react to light. This hereditary disease causes slow loss of vision, starting with decreased vision at night and loss of peripheral vision. In the end, full blindness is reached. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for RP.
For most patients with RP, the cells, which are mainly in the external part of the retina and are responsible for peripheral and night vision degenerate first.
Retinitis pigmentosa is usually hereditary (spread to children). If you or your partner has retinitis pigmentosa, there is up to 50% chance that you will pass it to your children. Consult your ophthalmologist for a genetic consultation if you are planning to have children.
Retinitis pigmentosa causes slow vision loss. Symptoms start with a decreased night vision and later progress to loss of peripheral vision – so called tunnel vision. Some people can have difficulties telling colors apart. The speed of vision changes varies for different people, depending on the genetic composition of their disease.
As night vision gets worse, the patient’s ability to adapt to darkness becomes harder. It is possible that the patient will trip over objects in the dark, driving at nightfall or night to be difficult and to have difficulties seeing in dark spaces like cinemas. While vision during the day could be completely normal, the inability to see in dark conditions is called “night blindness”.
In some cases, in which central vision is affected, it can affect tasks done at a short distance such as reading a book. This can cause macular dystrophy as the central part of the retina, called the macula is affected.
Nowadays there is still no cure for retinitis pigmentosa. Vitamin A is shown in research to slow the development of some types or RP. Your ophthalmologist can advise you on the risks and benefits of vitamin A and regarding the safe quantities to use. Too much vitamin A can be toxic, while proof for its effect is not sufficient.