What is retinitis pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), develops as a result of certain genetic disorders which cause the breakdown of cells in the retina. The retina sits at the back of the eye and is responsible for converting light into signals to the brain, thereby giving us the ability to see.
RP typically begins with difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions, followed by a gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision). As the condition progresses, central vision may also be affected, leading to significant visual impairment or blindness in some cases.
RP typically begins with difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions, followed by a gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision). As the condition progresses, central vision may also be affected, leading to significant visual impairment or blindness in some cases.
Causes of retinitis pigmentosa
The majority of people with retinitis pigmentosa will have inherited it from their parents. There are several genetic conditions that cause retinitis pigmentosa. These genetic malfunctions affect the genes responsible for making proteins that are needed in the photoreceptor cells in the retina. In the absence of this protein or any damage to it, the photoreceptor cells stop working and begin to die.
How is retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed?
One of the key points to remember with an RP diagnosis is to ensure that your Execuspecs optometrist knows if there is a history of it in your family. This will allow your optometrist to take a closer look at your retina during an eye examination.
If your Execuspecs optometrist detects any signs of retinitis pigmentosa, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist – who will perform further tests including assessing the electrical signals sent by the eye to the brain and a genetic test for the retinitis pigmentosa faulty gene.
Once diagnosed, a person with RP can be closely monitored and be made aware of any new treatments.
If your Execuspecs optometrist detects any signs of retinitis pigmentosa, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist – who will perform further tests including assessing the electrical signals sent by the eye to the brain and a genetic test for the retinitis pigmentosa faulty gene.
Once diagnosed, a person with RP can be closely monitored and be made aware of any new treatments.
What are the symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa?
The symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa can vary depending on the stage of the condition and the individual affected, but they typically include:
- Night blindness: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions or at night is often one of the earliest symptoms of RP. This is because the rods, which are responsible for vision in low-light environments, are primarily affected by the condition.
- Loss of peripheral vision: As RP progresses, individuals may experience a gradual narrowing of their field of vision, often described as tunnel vision. This occurs due to the gradual loss of peripheral vision, which can lead to difficulties with activities such as driving.
- Decreased central vision: In some cases, RP can also affect central vision, leading to difficulties with tasks that require sharp, detailed vision, such as reading or recognizing faces.
- Difficulty with contrast sensitivity: Some individuals with RP may have difficulty distinguishing between objects of similar brightness or colour contrasts.
- Photophobia: Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, can occur in some individuals with RP, making them uncomfortable or even in pain when exposed to bright lights.
