Retinitis Pigmentosa

What is retinitis pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa is the name of a group of eye diseases that are passed down in families. All of them affect the retina. The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye. It is sensitive to light. All of the diseases cause a slow decline in eyesight.

What causes retinitis pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa affects the ability of cells in the retina to sense light. Over time, the cells break down and die. The problem with the retina can take place in any of the following:

Rod cells
Cone cells
The link between the cells that make up the retina

What are the symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa?

Symptoms often start in childhood or the teen years. But symptoms can be a bit different for each person. Some people with the disease have a slow, very progressive loss of eyesight. Others lose their eyesight much more quickly and severely. Common symptoms may include:

Trouble seeing in poor lighting or in the dark
Reduced central vision or side (peripheral) vision
Trouble reading print
Trouble figuring out detailed images
trouble with stumbling or tripping over objects not seen
Glare

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always see your eye care provider for a diagnosis.

How is retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed?

Your eye care provider will take a full health history and give you an eye exam. You may need 1 or more of these tests to make a diagnosis:

Eye chart test
Refraction test, to see if you need glasses
Color vision test
Retinal exam
Eye ultrasound

How is retinitis pigmentosa treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

There is no specific treatment. But protecting your retina by using UV sunglasses may help delay the start of symptoms. An artificial retina (retinal prosthesis) has been developed for people with very advanced disease and severe vision loss. Talk with your eye care provider for more information.

What are possible complications of retinitis pigmentosa?

This disease causes a progressive loss of eyesight. It may happen slowly or more quickly.

Living with retinitis pigmentosa

This is a progressive condition. This means that it will get worse over time. Talk with your eye care provider to get information on services and devices for people with low vision.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, call your eye care provider.

Key points about retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of eye disorders that affect the retina.
All of these disorders cause a slow decline in eyesight.
Symptoms include loss of vision or visual sharpness. They often start in childhood or the teen years.
There is no specific treatment. An artificial retina (retinal prosthesis) is now available for people with very advanced disease and severe vision loss.
The use of UV sunglasses may help delay the start of symptoms.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is advised and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.