Retinitis pigmentosa

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Eye	Slit-lamp exam

RP

There is no effective treatment for this condition. The use of sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may help preserve vision.

Controversial studies have suggested that treatment with antioxidant agents (such as vitamin A palmitate) may delay the disease from getting worse.

Referral to a low vision specialist is very helpful. Patients should make regular visits to an eye care specialist to screen for the development of cataracts or retinal swelling -- both of which can be treated.

The disorder will continue to progress, although slowly. Complete blindness is uncommon.

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)
• Usher's syndrome

Call your health care provider if night vision becomes difficult or if other symptoms of this disorder develop.

Review Date: 05/18/2006
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.