Category Archives: Retinitis Pigmentosa

9Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited diseases that affect the photoreceptor (light sensing) cells responsible for capturing images from the visual field. These cells line the back of the eye in the region known as the retina. People with RP experience a gradual decline in their vision because the two types of photoreceptor cells rod and cone cells die. Rod cells are present throughout the retina, except for the very centre, and they help with night vision. Cone cells are also present throughout the retina, but are concentrated in the central region of the retina (the macula). They are useful for central (reading) vision and for colour vision. In RP, the rod cells, and eventually the cone cells stop working, causing vision loss; however, many people with RP retain useful central vision well into middle age. Rod cells are usually initially involved as previously mentioned, and difficulty seeing in dim light, including transitioning from light to dark and vice versa, is one of the earliest symptoms experienced. There can be a very variable range in the onset of RP. Some people are diagnosed in childhood while others are not affected until they are adults. The condition is … Continue reading →

By Frank J. Weinstock, MD Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is part of a large group of hereditary retinal conditions or dystrophies. There is considerable overlap among the various types. It usually refers to a group of hereditary conditions involving one or several layers of the retina, causing progressive degeneration. Primarily the rods (light-sensitive, specialized retinal receptor cell that works at low light levels and provides night visionnormal retina contains 150 million rods) of the retina are involved, but there may also be some involvement of the cones. With this progressive degeneration of the retina, usually you retain central vision until late in the disease as the periphery slowly constricts. Retinitis pigmentosa is primarily a bilateral inherited condition which involves both eyes and is generally diagnosed later in life. If it starts in one eye, the other eye usually develops the same condition in a number of years. It is essential that you undergo a thorough genetic pedigree with the aid of a genetic counselor. It occurs in 1 in 4,000 people in the United States. A related condition, Usher syndrome may show up early in life. This is accompanied by hearing loss which might be significant. Here is a first-hand account … Continue reading →

Overview of Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinitis pigmentosa is a term that refers to group of hereditary disorders that affect the retina's ability to respond to light. The condition primarily affects rod cellsthe photoreceptor cells that are responsible for night vision, seeing in dim light, and peripheral vision. Cone cells, which are responsible for color vision and seeing in bright light, may also be affected as the disease progresses. Retinitis pigmentosa may be caused by mutations in any one of at least ten different genes, resulting in a malfunction in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and a breakdown of a portion of the outer segment disc membrane of photoreceptor cells. When cells are destroyed at an abnormal rate, the build-up of waste products interferes with normal retinal function. The result is the occlusion (blockage) of small blood vessels, an abnormal increase in the number of RPE cells (hyperplasia), and the loss of photoreceptor cells. Retinitis pigmentosa is relatively rare. It affects 50,000 to 100,000 people in the United States. Worldwide, approximately 1.5 million people are afflicted. Retinitis pigmentosa is caused by a genetic defect. Patterns may be of three types: Ocular signs start with the breakdown of rod cells. Rods are … Continue reading →

Reviewed by Grant M. Comer, M.D. and John R. Heckenlively, M.D. On this page: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of diseases which cause a slow but progressive vision loss. In each of them there is a gradual loss of the light-sensitive retinal cells called rods and cones. Most forms of RP are inherited or genetic, though its signs do not necessarily appear in every generation. Learning more about your family history may help you and your doctor to make informed decisions about treatment and eventually a cure for RP. In some cases, RP may be associated with other health problems, such as hearing loss. People with RP may also develop other treatable eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataract. Symptoms usually start during young adulthood, although RP may be seen at any age. The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have retinitis pigmentosa. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam. Currently, very few treatments exist for persons with RP. Occasionally, the degeneration can be slowed to preserve vision for a longer time. Genetic studies of RP are a significant factor in finding a cure … Continue reading →

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. The cell-rich retina lines the back inside wall of the eye. It is responsible for capturing images from the visual field. People with RP experience a gradual decline in their vision because photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) die. Forms of RP and related diseases include Usher syndrome, Lebers congenital amaurosis, rod-cone disease, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Refsum disease, among others. Symptoms depend on whether rods or cones are initially involved. In most forms of RP, rods are affected first. Because rods are concentrated in the outer portions of the retina and are triggered by dim light, their degeneration affects peripheral and night vision. When the more centrally located cones - responsible for color and sharp central vision - become involved, the loss is in color perception and central vision. Night blindness is one of the earliest and most frequent symptoms of RP. People with mainly cone degeneration, however, first experience decreased central vision and ability to discriminate color. RP is typically diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. It is a progressive disorder. The rate of progression and degree of visual loss varies from person to person. Most people … Continue reading →

Retinitis Pigmentosa Cure? If you believe it is possible to improve your wellbeing naturally, without drugs or surgery, apply to access your personal Health Coaching program at tryunity.net/my-biofield-analysis Retinitis... By: Healing Oasis … Continue reading →

TheBlindJournalist: An Insight Into Retinitis Pigmentosa RP Radio Documentary Radio Documentary about the eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa. For a full transcript of this documentary and more of my work, please visit http://theblindjournalist.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/theblind... By: TheBlindJournalist Mohammed Salim Patel … Continue reading →

Living with Retinitis Pigmentosa: My RP Experience - Molly Burke OPEN ME! http://mollyburke.ca Thank you for watching my very long and rambling RP experience video. I hope this educated and helped some of you, and remember, no two RP patients are the same. By: Molly Burke … Continue reading →

Antioxidant gene delivery protects photoreceptors The inherited form of blindness retinitis pigmentosa (RP) results in a progressive loss of photoreceptors. RP-associated mutations directly promote the death of rod cells, which are required... By: Journal of Clinical Investigation … Continue reading →

Who says treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa is not possible..? Its Possible now http://www.ayurprakash.com/retinitis-pigmentosa/ In this video, a father sharing his experience of treatment of his son suffering from Retina Problem of the eyes. check It out. If You also... By: Dr. Dinesh Sharma … Continue reading →