Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare, genetic eye disease that affects the light-sensitive cells in the back of the eye (retina). It causes retinal damage and if left untreated, can even lead to significant vision loss or even total blindness.

The disease generally develops during childhood or adolescence. In the early stages of this condition, the retinal cells begin to degenerate, which leads to difficulty seeing at night or in low light. As the disease progresses and continues to destroy cells, central vision can also be significantly reduced.

Common symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa

Depending on the stage of the disease, symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa usually occur in both eyes. Common signs of this condition include:

• sensitivity to bright lights
• loss of peripheral (side) vision
• tunnel vision
• central vision loss in later stages
• impaired night vision
• intense glare
• trouble seeing colours or details
• difficulty adjusting from bright to dim lights.

Risk factors and causes

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition, meaning that it’s passed down from parent to child. Most people who have it are born with the disease. It’s caused by changes in genes that control cells in the retina, however, it can also be inherited in different ways or be linked to different genes.

Available treatment options

We can check for retinitis pigmentosa through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This is done by using our state-of-the-art equipment such as our slit lamp and volk lens and Topcon Maestro OCT. The procedure is simple, painless, and fast.

As the condition is genetic, a family history of the disease means we will recommend having your eyes dilated so we can be more thorough in checking for it. When we’re done with your screening, we’ll walk you through the results, so you know what to expect.

Although there is no cure for retinitis pigmentosa, low vision aids and rehabilitation programs can help people diagnosed with this condition to make the most of their vision.