Retinitis pigmentosa awareness month
February is retinitis pigmentosa awareness month. Learn more about this potentially disabling condition characterised by night blindness and "tunnel vision”.
What is Retinitis pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an eye condition characterised
by progressive loss of visual field, diminished dark adaptation (night blindness)
and damage to the retina. In patients with retinitis pigmentosa, peripheral
(side) vision is lost, making moving around safely difficult. Thirty million people
worldwide are afflicted with age-related macular degeneration
and retinitis pigmentosa.
What causes Retinitis pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa is caused by mutations in genes that are
active in retinal cells. Gene mutations are programmed into cells at the
time of conception. Retinitis pigmentosa is not caused by injury, infection or
exposure to any toxic substance.
External links on Retinitis Pigmentosa
What Are the symptoms of Retinitis pigmentosa?
Many people with retinitis pigmentosa disease retain some sight all their lives. Others may go completely blind from Retinitis pigmentosa, in some cases as early as childhood. Patients with Retinitis pigmentosa have trouble adjusting well to dark and dimly-lit environments. They often experience vision loss in their mid-periphery with some vision in their very far periphery.
In some forms of Retinitis pigmentosa, prolonged, unprotected exposure to sunlight may accelerate vision loss.
However, since Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited disorder and runs in families, the disease is not preventable. Therefore, if someone in a family is diagnosed with retinal degeneration, it is strongly advised that all members of the family contact an eye care professional. There is no known cure at present.
What Are the Symptoms of Retinitis pigmentosa?
However, since Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited disorder and runs in families, the disease is not preventable. Therefore, if someone in a family is diagnosed with retinal degeneration, it is strongly advised that all members of the family contact an eye care professional. There is no known cure at present.
What Are the Symptoms of Retinitis pigmentosa?
- Normal visual acuity in early stages, possibly progressing to no light perception
- Visual field loss progressing to loss of peripheral vision
- Night blindness
- Decreased response to magnification
- Need for more light
How is Retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed?
How is Retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed?[1]
Some commonly-used methods to diagnose Retinitis pigmentosa include:
Acuity Tests
Measuring the accuracy of the central vision at specific distances in
specific lighting situations.
Colour Testing
To determine the status of the retinal cells that
interpret colour.
Visual Field Test
To measure peripheral vision.
Dark Adaptation Test
To measure how well eyes adjust to changes in lighting and functioning of the
retinal cells responsible for night vision.
ERG Test
ERG (electroretinogram test) to record the electrical currents produced by the
retina due to light stimulus.
Some commonly-used methods to diagnose Retinitis pigmentosa include:
Acuity Tests
Measuring the accuracy of the central vision at specific distances in
specific lighting situations.
Colour Testing
To determine the status of the retinal cells that
interpret colour.
Visual Field Test
To measure peripheral vision.
Dark Adaptation Test
To measure how well eyes adjust to changes in lighting and functioning of the
retinal cells responsible for night vision.
ERG Test
ERG (electroretinogram test) to record the electrical currents produced by the
retina due to light stimulus.
[1] 1 http://www.lighthouse.org/about-low-vision-blindness/childrens-vision/pediatric-eye-
disorders/retinitis-pigmentosa/
disorders/retinitis-pigmentosa/
