Retinitis Pigmentosa

Also known as:  Pigmentary Retinitis;  RP

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a severe form of Retinitis that involves progressive degeneration of the Retina (including the Retina’s Photoreceptors) - it causes profound loss of Sight.  The main area of the Retina affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa is the Rods.

 There is a genetic element to many forms of Retinitis Pigmetosa (e.g. Autosomal Dominant RP, Recessive RP , Sex-Linked RP (X-Linked RP)) and these forms of RP usually begin to manifest later in life.

 The majority of cases of RP are not genetically-linked and commence during the first or second decades of life.

Sight

 Progressive degeneration of Sight (especially peripheral vision) is a symptom of Retinitis Pigmentosa - most Retinitis Pigmentosa sufferers lose most of their Sight (leading to Blindness) gradually over the course of three decades.

 Impaired Night Vision (Night Blindness) is a symptom of Retinitis Pigmentosa.