Retinitis Pigmentosa
Overview
Retinitis pigmentosa is a term used to refer to a group of disorders that affect the photoreceptor cells of the retina. In most individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, the rod photoreceptor cells are selectively affected and as a result, these individuals experience difficulty seeing in dim light and a progressive loss of their peripheral vision. In some individuals, the cone cells are primarily affected. This results in poor central vision, poor color vision, and extreme sensitivity to bright light. A test known as an electroretinogram can help doctors determine which types of cells in the retina are affected. The severity of retinitis pigmentosa varies widely among individuals and among families. In some cases, the disease can be so severe that a person can become completely blind in the first decade of life. At the opposite extreme, it is not uncommon to make the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in a nearly asymptomatic individual over the age of 60 years. Retinitis pigmentosa is quite rare, affecting only 1 in 4,000 people in the population. It is always a genetic condition but it can be inherited in several different ways. The term retinitis pigmentosa refers to a distinctive pattern of pigmentation that occurs in the retina when photoreceptor cells die.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about what retinitis pigmentosa is, how it affects vision, and how it can be treated.
© 2003-2005
The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
Contact Information