Ophthalmology >
Retinitis Pigmentosa
“A genetic disease which causes progressive and irreversible damage to the retina, resulting in blindness”
Aetiology
- Mostly inherited, with variable inheritance patterns
Pathophysiology
- Degeneration of rods and cones
- Displacement of melanin-containing cells from deeper layers to superficial retinal layers
Clinical Presentation
- Often starts in childhood
- Night-time blindness
- Reduced peripheral vision
- Leads to blindness between adolescence and middle age
Investigations
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Genetic testing
Management
- Irreversible, can be delayed with use of vitamin A