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Telephone: 01245 933572
Email: info@support4sight.org.uk
Support 4 Sight
17 Cottage Place
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1NL
Retinitis Pigmentosa, often called RP, is a hereditary condition affecting the retina, resulting in reduced vision in poor light, restriction of visual field and tunnel vision.
The genes that cause RP affect the rod photoreceptor cells in the retina so that they gradually stop working overtime. The cone photoreceptors are then affected later. Depending on the genes involved and inheritance pattern, you may notice your first symptoms in early childhood or between adolescence/ early adulthood. Some people don’t experience symptoms until later in life.
RP is a progressive condition, which means that your sight will continue to get worse over the years. It also means you may have to keep adapting to lower levels of sight. Depending on the type of RP you have can affect how quickly the changes develop.
As it progresses, you’ll gradually lose more of your peripheral sight, leaving a narrow field of vision, often called ‘tunnel vision’. You may also find that bright lights and sunlight give you glare, this is due to your retinal cells being less able to adapt to changing levels.
For further information or to arrange a visit to our support centre please call 01245
933572 or email info@support4sight.org.uk. Or visit the RNIB website
www.rnib.org.uk
Retinitis Pigmentosa FAQs
What is retinitis pigmentosa (RP)?
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited eye disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina, leading to gradual vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.
What causes retinitis pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa is typically caused by genetic mutations that affect the photoreceptor cells in the retina, specifically the rods and cones responsible for vision in low light and daylight, respectively.
What are the symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa?
Symptoms may include difficulty seeing at night or in dim lighting (night blindness), loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision), and eventually central vision impairment as the disease progresses.
Is retinitis pigmentosa progressive?
Yes, retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive disorder, meaning vision loss worsens over time as more photoreceptor cells degenerate.
Can retinitis pigmentosa cause blindness?
In severe cases, retinitis pigmentosa can lead to legal blindness. However, the rate of progression varies among individuals, and some may retain useful vision throughout their lives.
Is there a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa?
While much progress has been made in the last few years, currently, there is no cure for retinitis pigmentosa. However, management strategies focus on preserving existing vision and slowing progression through low-vision aids and genetic counselling.
What are low-vision aids?
Low-vision aids include devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, and electronic vision enhancement systems (EVS) that help individuals with RP make the most of their remaining vision.
Are there lifestyle changes or therapies that can help manage retinitis pigmentosa?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, protecting eyes from sunlight exposure, and avoiding smoking, may help slow the progression of RP and support overall eye health.
What research is being done on retinitis pigmentosa?
Ongoing research funded by sight loss charities is taking place all the time. This includes investigating gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and other potential treatments aimed at slowing or reversing vision loss in individuals with retinitis pigmentosa.