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Retinitis pigmentosa

Alternative Names: RP Treatment: There is no effective treatment for this condition. The use of sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may have a vision-preserving effect. Text Continues Below Though controversial, recent studies have indicated that treatment with antioxidant agents (such as Vitamin A palmitate) may delay the progression of this disease. Referral to a low vision specialist is very helpful in maintaining patient independence. Regular visits to your eye care specialist are important to monitor for the development of cataracts or retinal swelling -- both of which can be treated. Expectations (prognosis): The disorder will continue to progress, though at a very slow pace. Complete blindness is uncommon. Complications: Peripheral and central loss of vision will eventually occur. Many other syndromes with features similar to retinitis pigmentosa have been described, including: Friedreich's ataxia Mucopolysaccharidosis Muscular dystrophy (myotonic dystrophy) Laurence-Moon syndrome (also called Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome, an inherited disorder causing mental deficiency, obesity, short stature, vision problems, and muscular weakness) Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if night vision becomes difficult or if other symptoms of this disorder develop.

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