What is retinitis pigmentosa (RP)?

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic disorders that affect the retina’s ability to respond to light. The retina is the layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of your eye that converts light rays into impulses. The impulses are sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where they are recognized as images.

Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited eye disease in which there is a breakdown of the nerve layer (retina) in the back of the eye. It can lead to blindness.

Often the first sign of the disorder is an inability to see in low light and darkness (night blindness). Those affected usually develop a ring-shaped blind spot surrounding the center of their visual field. This blind spot then expands to affect both central and peripheral (side) vision. Eventually all vision is lost.

There is no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. There is some evidence that taking vitamin A supplements may help delay the progress of the disease.

Retinitis pigmentosa is often linked with nearsightedness, certain types of cataracts, and problems with the macula, the portion of the retina that provides sharp central vision.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of eye diseases that affect the retina. The retina, which is located at the back of the eye, sends visual images to the brain, where they are perceived. The cells in the retina that receive the visual images are called photoreceptors. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods (which are responsible for vision in low light) and cones (which are responsible for color vision and detail in high light).

In RP, the photoreceptors progressively lose function. Side vision, called peripheral vision, slowly worsens over time. Night vision is also affected. Central vision typically declines in the advanced stages of the disease.

Most cases of retinitis pigmentosa are inherited. However, some people develop the disease even if they have no family history. Others may develop the condition as part of another disorder, such as Kornzweig disease, Kearn-Sayre syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, Alport syndrome, or Refsum disease.

Signs of RP can usually be detected during a routine eye exam when the patient is around 10 years old. However, symptoms usually do not develop until adolescence.

Worldwide, RP is thought to affect roughly one out of 5,000 people.

Although the disease worsens over time, most patients retain at least partial vision, and complete blindness is rare. There is currently no known cure or effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, but there are some possible ways to manage the condition.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.