Retinitis pigmentosa is a term that encompasses a group of inherited eye diseases. What they all have in common is the characteristic retinal appearance and similar symptoms.
Retinitis pigmentosa: Cells in the retina called photoreceptors do not function properly as a result of a genetic defect that prevents the production of certain proteins by retinal cells, thus limiting their ability to function.
Current statistics show that the disease affects 1 in about 4,000 people.
The retina has two types of cells that receive information: rods = RODS, and cones = CONS.
Rods are mostly located at the periphery of the retina and are active in low-intensity (dim) light.
Retinitis pigmentosa initially damages these cells, causing difficulty with night vision and damage to the peripheral field of vision.
The cones are mostly located in the center of the retina and are responsible for color vision and seeing details. When the disease affects them at a later stage, they slowly lose the center of vision and the ability to see details and colors.
RP usually begins in childhood. The rate and onset of the disease varies from person to person, and most patients lose most of their vision by their 40s and become legally blind.
The initial symptoms are "night blindness," difficulty or inability to see in dark places.
And also darkness in the transition from strong light to darkness.
Another symptom is "tunnel vision," when vision is essentially reduced to a central area only.
In the later stages, when the retinas are affected, there is difficulty seeing details, reading, watching television, seeing faces, and seeing colors.
There is usually photophobia (very strong glare).
Currently, there is no cure for the disease, but doctors are working to find a treatment that slows its development with the help of vitamins, as well as experimental treatments in the genetic field.
LIGHT AND GLARE CONTROL - The rehabilitation is designed to provide as much relief as possible from the symptoms of glare and transitions from light to dark and vice versa. With the help of filters in yellow-orange shades 450-527 nanometers. Even when in a closed and less lit place. The color is individual and depends on the patient's condition and subjective preference.
Daily activities such as reading, watching television, and seeing the blackboard in class may be difficult when there is a loss of visual field, and even more so when visual acuity decreases.
At these stages, the recommendation may be to wear telescopic glasses or bioptic glasses. However, this option should be thoroughly examined so that it does not affect the already limited field of vision.
Sometimes the recommendation will be electronic solutions such as various types of TMS, a special smartphone for the visually impaired, or VR glasses. The solution is given according to the patient's individual needs and the severity of the disease.
© All rights reserved to Naomi Laser 2025 © Accessibility Statement | Site Map | Web design: Pixieweb
