Retinitis Pigmentosa Eye Disease

Retinitis Pigmentosa Disease & Treatment

Medically reviewed by: Prof. Dr. Fevzi Şentürk · Last updated: 7 September 2026

What is retinitis pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited retinal disorders in which the photoreceptor cells gradually lose function. Rod cells, responsible for vision in dim light and for the peripheral field, are affected first; cone cells and central vision are involved later.

Symptoms

• Difficulty seeing in dim light and slow adaptation to darkness — often the first sign
• Progressive narrowing of the peripheral field (“tunnel vision”)
• Bumping into objects and difficulty moving about in low light
• Glare sensitivity and, at later stages, loss of central vision and colour discrimination

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis is based on the pattern seen on fundus examination together with functional and structural tests:

• Visual field testing: documents the extent and progression of field loss
• Electroretinography (ERG): measures photoreceptor function, often abnormal before symptoms
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): shows the retinal layers and any macular oedema
• Fundus autofluorescence: maps areas of active degeneration
• Genetic testing: identifies the causative gene, informs family counselling and determines eligibility for gene-specific therapies

Management

There is no treatment today that reverses the condition. Care is directed at protecting the remaining vision and maintaining function:

• Regular monitoring; treatment of cystoid macular oedema when present
• Cataract surgery where cataract is limiting the remaining vision
• UV protection, low-vision aids, orientation and mobility support
• Genetic counselling for the patient and family
• Gene therapy is approved for specific genotypes only (for example biallelic RPE65 mutation); eligibility depends on genetic testing

Claims of a general cure for retinitis pigmentosa are not supported by evidence. Any proposed treatment should be discussed with a retinal specialist.

Frequently asked questions

Is retinitis pigmentosa inherited?

Yes. Several inheritance patterns exist and genetic testing identifies the responsible gene.

Does it always end in complete blindness?

Progression varies widely. Many patients retain useful central vision for a long time.

Is gene therapy available?

Only for specific genotypes, such as biallelic RPE65 mutation. Genetic testing determines eligibility.

What can be done to protect vision?

Regular monitoring, treatment of macular oedema, cataract surgery where indicated, UV protection and low-vision support.

Medically reviewed by

Prof. Dr. Fevzi Şentürk — Professor of Ophthalmology — retinal diseases and vitreoretinal surgery, Nişantaşı Hastanesi Göz Merkezi. Our doctors

This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor. Treatment decisions are made after examination and diagnostic tests.