Understanding Retinitis Pigmentosa: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare eye diseases that impact the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball responsible for translating light signals that enter our eyes into images for our brains to interpret. RP causes cells within the retina to break down over time, causing vision loss.
Causes and Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa
RP is a genetic condition caused by changes in genes that control cells in the retina. It’s also associated with several other conditions, including Usher syndrome, Leber’s congenital amaurosis, rode-cone disease, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Refsum disease.
The most common first symptom of RP is loss of night vision, which usually starts in early childhood. Parents may notice their child having trouble moving around in the dark. Other symptoms include:
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Loss of color vision
Some people with RP will lose their vision faster than others. Eventually, most people with the condition will lose both their peripheral and central vision.
Treating Retinitis Pigmentosa
As of today, there is no cure for RP. However, there are treatments available to help those with RP make the most of their vision, such as vision aids and rehabilitation programs. In 2017 the FDA approved, Luxturna, a gene therapy specifically for patients with mutations in the RPE65 gene. While this only applies to a small subset of RP patients, research is ongoing to find treatments applicable to a broader patient population. Your doctor may also recommend certain vitamins and supplements to help slow vision loss.
If you have RP, it’s important to see a retina specialist regularly. That way, they can keep track of your symptoms and make the necessary treatment recommendations. Additionally, individuals with RP are more likely to develop other eye conditions like cataracts. Your retina specialist can catch these conditions early and treat them before they cause additional problems.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist Today
Retinitis pigmentosa causes a progressive loss of eyesight. To slow vision loss and make the most of your remaining vision, it’s important to see a retina specialist regularly. Retinal Consultants Medical Group’s team of retina specialists has over 100 years of cumulative experience providing top-rated care for all vitreoretinal conditions and diseases for patients throughout Northern California, including Sacramento, Chico, Modesto, Merced, and Yuba City. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
