Retinitis Pigmentosa

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

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Related Topics

Retinitis Pigmentosa

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