What You Need to Know About Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition which affects the photoreceptor cells in the eye. If the condition is not treated, it can cause a person's vision to deteriorate as the photoreceptor cells die. Ultimately, retinitis pigmentosa can lead to complete blindness. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about retinitis pigmentosa.

Symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa

Because retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive disease, the first symptoms may be difficult to detect. For example, one of the earliest signs of retinitis pigmentosa is a difficulty seeing in low light conditions which occur at dawn or dusk. However, until their eyes have adjusted to the changing light conditions, many people may experience some difficulty which can make this symptom difficult to spot or easy to dismiss. However, as the condition causes further damage to your retina, you may notice more severe symptoms such as:

• A loss of peripheral vision
• Difficulty reading small print
• Discomfort when exposed to bright environments

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with an optometrist.

Treatment of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is typically passed down from a parent. This means that if you have the faulty gene, there is nothing you can do to prevent the condition from occurring. Thankfully, there are treatments available which can help you live with the condition and which can help to mitigate its impact on your life. In the first instance, your optometrist may prescribe special lenses which will help you to focus in low light conditions and which will help you to make the most of the vision you have.

In recent times, trials have been carried out using electronic implants which are connected to the visual nerve. These implants are designed to boost the signal created by cells in the retina. It is hoped that this will eventually help patients to maintain some of their vision for an extended period of time. Because this treatment is still being developed, it isn't yet widely used but advances in medical science such as this could transform the lives of people who are living with retinitis pigmentosa.

The only person who is qualified to diagnose and treat retinitis pigmentosa is a licensed optometrist. If you have any concerns about your eye health or the quality of your vision, you should book an appointment with your local optometrist today. The optometrist will be happy to carry out an assessment before offering you further treatment.