What is Retinitis Pigmentosa, What Are Its Symptoms, How Is It Diagnosed?

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited disorders that affect the retina, the part of the eye that senses light.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited disorders that affect the retina, the part of the eye that senses light. The retina is made up of millions of light-sensitive cells called rods and cones. In people with RP, these cells die slowly over time, leading to a gradual loss of vision.

Symptoms of RP usually begin in childhood or early adulthood and may include night blindness (difficulty seeing in low light), tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision), and difficulty distinguishing colors. As the condition progresses, people with RP may lose their central vision as well.

RP is usually diagnosed by an eye doctor during a comprehensive eye examination. The doctor may use a variety of tests to check for RP, including a visual acuity test (to measure how well you can see), a visual field test (to measure your peripheral vision), and a fundus exam (to look at the back of the eye).