Frequently Asked Questions

What is RP?
It is a progressive group of eye diseases that cause(s) the retina to deteriorate in structure and function.

What does it do? How exactly does it work?
Everyone has distinct photoreceptor cells in their eyes, namely rods and cones. Rods deal with peripheral vision as well as night vision. Cones, on the other hand, help an individual to experience clear central vision and to differentiate and distinguish colors. When RP is in full effect, the rods transform into foreign genes, causing progressive loss of the visual field.

How does one get RP?
It is a genetic disease and can be passed down from one or both parents

How common is it?
Approximatey 450,000 people in the United States are inflicted with retinitis pigmentosa

What are symptoms to look out for?
The two most common are night blindness (slow adapting to dim light) and slow, progressive loss of peripheral vision

Are there levels of diagnosis?
Yes. RP can be diagnosed as mild, moderate, and/or severe

Are there any common practice treatments available?
Not currently, as opthalmologists and low vision specialists are trying to understand and investigate the disease to learn more about it and ways to combat this chronic illness

Is there a cure?
No

What should I do if I am diagnosed with RP?
Wear sunglasses in bright sunlight to help protect your eyes from prolonged UV exposure. Also, it is common to meet with a low vision specialist to discuss possible remedies such as visual aids, reading glasses, light fixtures, and other potential ways to help manage the disease

Will the end result be complete blindness?
Not necessarily. Depending on heredity, as well as maintenance of the disease, the process of becoming blind is different for everybody with RP. Severe tunnel vision is the end result in many people, but others can lead a normal life, with full visual capability throughout their lifetime.