Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterised by progressive degeneration of the photoreceptors, especially rods. It often begins with night vision difficulty and peripheral field loss.
Symptoms and Course
Early signs include poor night vision and problems adjusting in dim light. Over time, peripheral vision constricts, sometimes resulting in tunnel vision, while central vision may remain good until later stages.
- Usually affects both eyes
- Onset and progression vary widely between families
- Associated with characteristic pigment deposits on the retina
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis involves retinal examination, OCT, visual fields, and electroretinography, along with genetic testing where possible. Management focuses on monitoring, low-vision support, and emerging gene-based therapies for specific subtypes.
Further Information
General information on inherited retinal disease is available in the knowledge base entry on that topic, and Blue Fin Vision® blog content on macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy provides additional context for retinal structure and function.
