Retinis Pigmentosa
Eye Conditions & Care | Eye Conditions | Retinitis Pigmentosa
RP usually causes a progressive degeneration of sight but this varies from person to person. It is a genetic condition and can affect many members of a family but it can also occur sporadically in a family with no previous history at all.
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
The retina is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is the name given to a family of eye diseases that cause gradual deterioration of the retina which results in a progressive loss of vision.
Symptoms of RP
The most common first symptom of RP is difficulty seeing in poor light, for instance at night or in a dimly lit room. Loss of side (peripheral) vision then follows. This means that the field of vision is gradually restricted until finally a small area or tunnel of vision remains. In some cases total blindness is the eventual outcome whereas many people with RP retain some vision all their lives. Symptoms can vary in many ways. For instance, sometimes central vision is lost first, along with the ability to see colours, fine details and to recognize faces. There are many syndromes associated with RP, which result in loss of other senses, such as Usher syndrome, in which sight and hearing are both affected. It is very important to have a thorough eye examination by an Ophthalmologist or specialist eye physician for accurate diagnosis.
When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of RP vary but usually appear between the ages of 10 and 30 although it can be earlier in childhood. The speed of vision loss varies from person to person due to the many forms of RP.
How common is RP?
Statistics vary from country to country but it is thought to affect 1 in 3000 people in the world population. There are no official figures on how many people in the U.A.E. have RP but anecdotal evidence indicates that it may be higher than the worldwide average. It is an inherited disease that can affect anyone from any background, race or culture.
What causes RP?
A person with RP has inherited (are born with) a faulty gene which causes the condition. This means that the ability of the retina to respond to light is affected as various parts cease to function.
How is RP inherited?
RP is usually appears sporadically within in a family. It can be passed down from parents to children in 3 ways and the different forms result from the presence of 1 or 2 abnormal genes. If you think you have RP in your family and would like more information, ask your Ophthalmologist who may refer you to a Genetic Counsellor. They will be able to explain more about the causes and patterns of inheritance in your family. There is also a detailed guide called Genetics and RP which is available from Foresight.
What treatments are available?
Currently, no medical treatment is available to cure RP or limit its progress. If the retina is affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa, it cannot be replaced by artificial lenses, corrected with surgery or cured with drugs or vitamins.
World-wide research and studies are progressing with positive results bringing optimism for a cure to be viable in the foreseeable future.
Why should I continue to see my Ophthalmologist?
Although there is nothing that can be done to cure Retinitis Pigmentosa at present, visits to the Ophthalmologist continue to be important for the following reasons:
- If you have any doubt you might like to obtain a second opinion or more information
- To monitor the progression of the disease and to retain optimum vision
- Assessment of other family members and referral to a geneticist
- Some people with RP develop cataracts. When they have reached a certain stage, an eye specialist may recommend their removal. This could lead to a limited amount of vision being restored
- Diagnosis of other eye conditions, which may make vision worse, such as glaucoma and Diabetes
- Information about cures of treatment that may be found in the future
What help is available?
Your eye specialist or Ophthalmologist is the best person to give advice on what services are currently available.