What is Retinitis Pigmentosa ?

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Retinitis Pigmentosa consists of a number of genetic disorders that affect the retina's response to light.

The retina is a sensitive nerve layer consisting of light-sensitive cells that line the inner side of the eye, and it sends the rays that regulate the eye to the brain via the optic nerve in warning, causing an image to form in the brain.

What are the symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa?

It gradually causes vision loss in Retinitis Pigmentosa. These patients gradually begin to see less in a low-light environment. Some begin to have difficulty distinguishing colors. In advanced stages, night vision may decrease significantly, and the level of vision loss may vary depending on the genetic character of the disorder.

As night vision decreases, the patient gradually experiences adaptation problems during the transition from the light environment to the dark environment.

In the dark they start to confuse what the objects are

They begin to have difficulty driving at night

Have severe vision problems in poorly lit environments (eg movie theaters)

Although your vision is completely normal in daylight conditions, if you have difficulty seeing objects at night, this is called "night blindness".

The loss of peripheral vision, on the other hand, causes a narrowing of our range of motion and prevents us from seeing objects passing around us. This condition is called “tunnel vision”. Even if most people have Retinitis Pigmentosa, they can maintain enough vision for a long time. In some cases, central vision may be affected in the early stages, making it difficult to perform functions such as reading and driving. This condition is called “macular dystrophy”.

Why does Retinitis Pigmentosa occur?

Retinitis Pigmentosa is caused by the faulty formation of some genes in the body. Due to this genetic error, retinal cells cannot function properly and gradually lose cells. Retinitis Pigmentosa is often inherited and can occur in family members. If you or your spouse has Retinitis Pigmentosa, it is up to 50% likely to pass this disease on to your child. For this, it is useful to get genetic counseling before having children.

Is there a cure for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Studies have shown that vitamin A slows the progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa disease. Vitamin A also positively affects the night vision of these patients. You should definitely consult an eye specialist about the dosage and how to take vitamin A.

Research is currently investigating the genetic causes of various inherited variants of Retinitis Pigmentosa. When the genetic cause is fully determined, different treatment methods can be developed to prevent the progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Various supportive methods that help with low vision can relieve these patients' daily activities.

Microwave Stimulation Method has been applied in some centers for many years for Retinitis Pigmentosa disease and many other hereditary retinal diseases and macular degeneration. It is suggested that this method increases eye blood flow and stimulates retinal cells. In some cases, positive results are obtained with this treatment method.

Promising developments in gene therapy in the future will be possible in the light of new research.

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