A rare inherited retinal dystrophy disorder characterized by spots of black bone-spicule pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium. It is manifested with decreased vision in low light or in the night, followed by decreased peripheral vision, and, eventual decreased central vision. It may lead to blindness.
Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa
The following features are indicative of Retinitis Pigmentosa:
night blindness
tunnel vision
latticework vision
photopsia
photophobia
development of bone spicules in the fundus
blurring of vision
poor color separation
loss of central vision
eventual blindness
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Common Causes of Retinitis Pigmentosa
The following are the most common causes of Retinitis Pigmentosa:
genetic mutation in opsin gene
protein misfolding
disruption of molecular chaperones
mutation of codon 23 in the rhodopsin gene
Risk Factors for Retinitis Pigmentosa
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Retinitis Pigmentosa:
family history
Prevention of Retinitis Pigmentosa
No, it is not possible to prevent Retinitis Pigmentosa.
genetic mutation in opsin and in codon 23 in the rhodopsin genes
Occurrence of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Retinitis Pigmentosa cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Retinitis Pigmentosa most commonly occurs in the following age group:
At birth
Common Gender
Retinitis Pigmentosa can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Retinitis Pigmentosa:
Electroretinogram: To measure the electrical activity in the retina
Ophthalmoscopy: To examine back part of the eye (fundus) includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels
Pupil reflex response: To measure the reflextion
Refraction test: To measures a person's prescription for eyeglasses
Retinal photography: To look at blood flow in the retina and choroid
Side vision test: To check for vision
Fluorescein angiography: To check for bony spicule pigmentation
Complications of Retinitis Pigmentosa if untreated
Yes, Retinitis Pigmentosa causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Retinitis Pigmentosa is left untreated:
cataracts at an early age
swelling of the retina (macular edema)
peripheral and central loss of vision
Procedures for Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa
The following procedures are used to treat Retinitis Pigmentosa:
Microchip implantation: To treat blindness associated with retinitis pigmentosa
Optic prosthetic devices: To improve visual function
Gene therapy: To replace or correct abnormal genes
Retinal sheet transplantation: To help in restoration of vision
Self-care for Retinitis Pigmentosa
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Retinitis Pigmentosa:
Wear sunglasses: To protect the retina from ultraviolet light
Time for Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Retinitis Pigmentosa to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced