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5 things to know about retinitis pigmentosa

Astorino & Associates Eye Center Blog 5 things to know about retinitis pigmentosa
  1. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss. It is estimated to affect around 1 in 4,000 people worldwide.
  2. RP is a group of inherited disorders that affect the photoreceptor cells in the retina, causing them to degenerate and ultimately leading to vision loss. There are many different genetic mutations that can cause RP, which can affect how the disease progresses and what age it appears.
  3. The first symptom of RP is often night blindness, or difficulty seeing in dim light. Over time, the disease can progress to affect peripheral vision, and eventually central vision as well.
  4. There is currently no cure for RP, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These can include vitamin supplements, low vision aids, and genetic counseling for affected individuals and their families.
  5. Research into new treatments for RP is ongoing, with promising developments including gene therapy and stem cell therapy. These approaches aim to replace or repair the damaged photoreceptor cells in the retina, potentially restoring vision to affected individuals. However, these treatments are still in the early stages of development and are not yet widely available.
Author
David Greening David Greening, ABOC, BS(HONS) Ophth. Dispensing David is a licensed optician, and has been in optics since 2002. He attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing in Kent, England (2014). He has extensive experience, having managed his own practice for many years prior to arriving at Astorino & Associates Eye Center. He is a licensed American optician (ABOC) and is well-recognized for his quality of service, attention to detail, and patient care. He left our practice January 2024.

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