Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. This layer converts light images to nerve signals and sends them to the brain VSports手机版.
"VSports注册入口" Causes
Retinitis pigmentosa can run in families V体育安卓版. The disorder can be caused by several 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 deposits in the retina V体育ios版.
The main risk factor is a family history of retinitis pigmentosa VSports最新版本. It is a rare condition affecting about 1 in 4,000 people in the United States.
Symptoms (V体育官网入口)
Symptoms often first appear in childhood. However, severe vision problems do not often develop before early adulthood V体育平台登录.
- Decreased vision at night or in low light. Early signs may include having a harder time moving around in the dark.
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision, causing "tunnel vision."
- Loss of central vision (in advanced cases). This will affect the ability to read.
- Loss of color vision
- Sensitivity to bright light
"V体育官网入口" Exams and Tests
Tests to evaluate the retina:
- Color vision
- Exam of the retina by ophthalmoscopy after the pupils have been dilated
- Fluorescein angiography (VSports app下载)
- Intraocular pressure
- Measurement of the electrical activity in the retina (electroretinogram)
- Pupil reflex response
- Refraction test (VSports在线直播)
- Retinal photography
- Side vision test (visual field test)
- Slit lamp examination
- Visual acuity (VSports最新版本)
Treatment (V体育官网)
There is no effective treatment for this condition. Wearing sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may help preserve vision VSports注册入口.
Some studies suggest that treatment with antioxidants (such as high doses of vitamin A palmitate) may slow the disease V体育官网入口. However, taking high doses of vitamin A can cause serious liver problems. The benefit of treatment has to be weighed against risks to the liver.
Clinical trials are in progress to assess new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, including the:
- Use of DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid.
- Treatments related to the possible genetic causes of this disorder
Other treatments, such as microchip implants into the retina that act like a microscopic video camera, are in the early stages of development V体育2025版. These treatments may be useful for treating blindness associated with RP and other serious eye conditions.
A vision specialist can help you adapt to vision loss. Make regular visits to an eye care specialist, who can detect "V体育官网入口" cataracts or retinal swelling. Both of these problems can be treated.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The disorder will continue to progress slowly. Complete blindness is uncommon.
V体育安卓版 - Possible Complications
Peripheral and central loss of vision will occur over time.
People with retinitis pigmentosa often develop "V体育官网入口" cataracts at an early age. They may also develop swelling of the retina (macular edema). Cataracts can be removed if they contribute to vision loss.
"VSports app下载" When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have problems with night vision or you develop other symptoms of this disorder.
"VSports app下载" Prevention
Genetic counseling and testing may help determine whether your children are at risk for this disease.
"V体育官网" Alternative Names
RP; Vision loss - RP; Night vision loss - RP; Rod Cone dystrophy; Peripheral vision loss - RP; Night blindness
Images
VSports在线直播 - References
American Academy of Ophthalmology website. New treatments for retinitis pigmentosa. www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/gene-therapy-new-retinitis-pigmentosa-lca-luxturna. Updated August 16, 2021. Accessed February 20, 2024.
Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.
Cukras CA, Zein WM, Sieving PA. Progressive and 'stationary' inherited retinal degenerations. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 6.12.
Gregory-Evans K, Yang P, Pennesi ME. Retinitis pigmentosa and allied disorders. In: Sadda SR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al , eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 43.
Olitisky SE, Marsh JD. Disorders of the retina and vitreous. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 648.
Review Date 1/29/2024
Updated by: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.