Retinitis Pigmentosa
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye condition that causes the light-sensitive retina, located at the back of the eye, to degenerate slowly and progressively.
The condition can vary greatly. While many people with RP retain limited vision throughout their lives, others will lose their sight completely.
What are the symptoms?
Generally, symptoms develop between the ages of 10 and 30. Some of the first signs may include the following:
- Difficulty seeing at night (night-blindness) or in dimly lit areas
- A narrowing field of vision
- Light and glare sensitivity
Who is at risk?
RP is a hereditary disease that occurs in people that have a family history of the condition. It often affects males more than females.
Can it be treated?
There is currently no standard treatment or therapy for RP. However, scientists have isolated several genes responsible for the disease. Once RP is discovered, patients and their families are encouraged to seek genetic counselling.
Find out more
Contact us
Call: 1300 84 74 66
TTY: 02 9334 3260
Fax: 02 9747 5993
Website: www.visionaustralia.org
Street Address (State Head Offices)
NSW and ACT: 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield NSW 2136
Queensland: 373 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo Qld 4151
Victoria: 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong Vic 3144
Vision Australia is a living partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that in the future people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.
This page last updated: 20 August 2008