Learn About Retinitis Pigmentosa

What is the definition of Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. This layer converts light images to nerve signals and sends them to the brain.

What are the alternative names for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

RP; Vision loss - RP; Night vision loss - RP; Rod Cone dystrophy; Peripheral vision loss - RP; Night blindness

What are the different types of Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Common conditions include: X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP)

What are the causes of Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa can run in families. The disorder can be caused by several genetic defects.

The cells controlling night vision (rods) are most likely to be affected. However, in some cases, retinal cone cells are damaged the most. The main sign of the disease is the presence of dark deposits in the retina.

The main risk factor is a family history of retinitis pigmentosa. It is a rare condition affecting about 1 in 4,000 people in the United States.

What are the symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Symptoms often first appear in childhood. However, severe vision problems do not often develop before early adulthood.

  • Decreased vision at night or in low light. Early signs may include having a harder time moving around in the dark.
  • Loss of side (peripheral) vision, causing "tunnel vision."
  • Loss of central vision (in advanced cases). This will affect the ability to read.
  • Loss of color vision
  • Sensitivity to bright light
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
What are the current treatments for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

There is no effective treatment for this condition. Wearing sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may help preserve vision.

Some studies suggest that treatment with antioxidants (such as high doses of vitamin A palmitate) may slow the disease. However, taking high doses of vitamin A can cause serious liver problems. The benefit of treatment has to be weighed against risks to the liver.

Clinical trials are in progress to assess new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, including the:

  • Use of DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid.
  • Treatments related to the possible genetic causes of this disorder

Other treatments, such as microchip implants into the retina that act like a microscopic video camera, are in the early stages of development. These treatments may be useful for treating blindness associated with RP and other serious eye conditions.

A vision specialist can help you adapt to vision loss. Make regular visits to an eye care specialist, who can detect cataracts or retinal swelling. Both of these problems can be treated.

Who are the top Retinitis Pigmentosa Local Doctors?
Michael J. Cooney
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology

Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants Of New York

110 Lafayette St, 
New York, NY 
 4.1 mi

Michael Cooney is an Ophthalmologist in New York, New York. Dr. Cooney and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa. His top areas of expertise are Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Cone-Rod Dystrophy, and Stargardt Macular Degeneration.

Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai

310 E 14th St, Opthalmology Department Of, 
New York, NY 
 4.3 mi

Richard Rosen is an Ophthalmologist in New York, New York. Dr. Rosen and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa. His top areas of expertise are X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP), Retinitis Pigmentosa, Endophthalmitis, and Usher Syndrome Type 2A.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More

Laser And Microsurgery, PC

1301 Ave J, 
Brooklyn, NY 
 4.0 mi

Moshe Szlechter is an Ophthalmologist in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Szlechter and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa. His top areas of expertise are Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Neuroretinitis, and Cataract Removal.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

The disorder will continue to progress slowly. Complete blindness is uncommon.

What are the possible complications of Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Peripheral and central loss of vision will occur over time.

People with retinitis pigmentosa often develop cataracts at an early age. They may also develop swelling of the retina (macular edema). Cataracts can be removed if they contribute to vision loss.

When should I contact a medical professional for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Contact your health care provider if you have problems with night vision or you develop other symptoms of this disorder.

How do I prevent Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Genetic counseling and testing may help determine whether your children are at risk for this disease.

What are the latest Retinitis Pigmentosa Clinical Trials?
Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cell Lines From Somatic Cells of Participants With Eye Diseases and From Somatic Cells of Matched Controls

Background: - Best Vitelliform Dystrophy (Best disease), Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration (L-ORD), and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) all affect the retina, the light sensing area at the back of the eye. Doctors cannot safely obtain retinal cells to study these diseases. However, cells collected from hair follicles, skin, and blood can be used for research. Researchers want to collect cells from people...

Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
Observational, Non-Interventional Study to Determine the Operational Feasibility and Measurement Properties of Endpoints in Patients with Retinal Degeneration

Summary: The Vision Research and Assessment Institute (VRAI) was established with the purpose of serving as a testing facility for efficacy endpoints for patients with Low Vision. The mission of the VRAI is to enable the highest quality, standardized efficacy testing of patients with visual impairment. The VRAI facilitates the development and refinement of existing endpoints specifically for testing patien...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: January 29, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

American Academy of Ophthalmology website. New treatments for retinitis pigmentosa. www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/gene-therapy-new-retinitis-pigmentosa-lca-luxturna. Updated August 16, 2021. Accessed February 20, 2024.

Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.

Cukras CA, Zein WM, Sieving PA. Progressive and 'stationary' inherited retinal degenerations. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 6.12.

Gregory-Evans K, Yang P, Pennesi ME. Retinitis pigmentosa and allied disorders. In: Sadda SR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al , eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 43.

Olitisky SE, Marsh JD. Disorders of the retina and vitreous. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 648.