Transcript Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis Pigmentosa
Paulette Frank, Amy Hayes,
Monica Johnson, and Michelle
Parker
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Answer
Retinitis Pigmentosa is an eye
disease in which there is damage to
the photoreceptor cells in the retina.
These cells capture and process light
helping us to see. Once the cells
degenerate and die, vision loss is
experienced. The damage
progressively gets worse over time.
Symptoms
•Decreased vision at night or in reduced light
• Dark Pigmented spots on the retina
•Loss of peripheral vision
•Loss of central vision that can not be corrected
with glasses or contact lenses
•Sensation of tunnel vision, as though looking
through a straw
•Can lead to blindness , although this is not very
common
Normal Vision
Vision of individual with
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Causes
Retinitis Pigmentosa most commonly
is inherited. This eye disorder can be
caused by a number of genetic
defects. Retinitis Pigmentosa affects
about 1 in 4,000 people in the United
States.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for
Retinitis Pigmentosa. Individuals that have this
eye disease are encouraged to wear sunglasses in
order to protect the retina from ultraviolet light.
This may help slow down the loss of vision.
Vitamin A may also help delay vision loss.
Individuals that suffer from Retinitis Pigmentosa
are encouraged to participate in occupational
therapy. Future treatment may include : retinal
transplants, gene therapy, stem cells, nutritional
supplements, and/or drug therapy.
The future may include the use of the artificial
retina.
Resources
www.allaboutvision.com
www.blindness.org/content.asp?id=45&print=1
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/001029.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Human_eyesight_two_children_and_bal
l_normal_vision.jpg