Retinitis pigmentosa Health Article

Definition

Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina. The damage gets worse (progresses) over time.

Alternative Names

RP

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Retinitis pigmentosa commonly runs in families. The disorder can be caused by a number of genetic defects.

The cells controlling night vision (rods) are most likely to be affected. However, in some cases, retinal cone cells are damaged the most. The main sign of the disease is the presence of dark lines in the retina.

As the disease gets worse, side (peripheral) vision is gradually lost. The condition may eventually lead to blindness, but usually not complete blindness. Signs and symptoms often first appear in childhood, but severe vision problems do not usually develop until early adulthood.

The main risk factor is a family history of retinitis pigmentosa. It is an uncommon condition affecting about 1 in 4,000 people in the United States.

Symptoms

• Decreased vision at night or in low light
• Loss of side (peripheral) vision
• Loss of central vision (in advanced cases)

Signs and tests

Tests to evaluate the retina:

• Color vision
• Examination of the retina by ophthalmoscopy after the pupils have been dilated
• Fluorescein angiography
• Intraocular pressure
• Measurement of the electrical activity in the retina (electroretinogram)
• Pupil reflex response
• Refraction test
• Retinal photography
• Side vision test (visual field test)
• Slit lamp examination
• Visual acuity