Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is retinitis pigmentosa?
- How common is retinitis pigmentosa?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes retinitis pigmentosa?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for retinitis pigmentosa?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for retinitis pigmentosa?
- What are the usual tests for retinitis pigmentosa?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat retinitis pigmentosa?
Definition
What is retinitis pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of diseases that attack the retina. The retina is the inner lining of the eye which contains two special cells that send images to the brain. These light-sensitive cells are rod cells and cones. Retinitis pigmentosa destroys the stem cells in the retina causing slow vision loss leading to blindness.
How common is retinitis pigmentosa?
Based on statistics, about 1 in 4000 people have this disorder. You can minimize the chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa?
Symptoms often appear in childhood. However, serious vision problems often do not appear until adulthood.
- Decreased vision at night or when low light
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision, causes tunnel vision (can only see straight ahead like a tunnel)
- Main vision loss (in more serious cases)
There may be some signs and symptoms that are not listed. If you are concerned about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always good to discuss with your doctor the best solution for your condition.
Cause
What causes retinitis pigmentosa?
The cause is unknown. But doctors suspect mutations in genes that control stem cells could trigger the disorder. Sometimes, the cone cells are also damaged. This disorder is inherited and usually passes from parent to child. This disease is not contagious.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for retinitis pigmentosa?
It is not clear what causes retinitis pigmentosa, therefore, risk factors have not been identified. However, genetic factors are believed to be the main cause of retinitis pigmentosa. If your family has this disease, you also have a high risk of developing this disease.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for retinitis pigmentosa?
There is no proven effective therapy for retinitis pigmentosa. Some studies suspect treatment with antioxidants (such as high doses of vitamin A palmitate) can slow disease. However, taking high doses of vitamin A can cause serious liver problems. The benefits of treatment must be weighed against the risk to the liver.
Aids such as magnifying glasses and infrared vision at night can help people with night blindness and night blindness tunnel vision. Using glasses can protect the retina from ultraviolet light and can help maintain vision.
What are the usual tests for retinitis pigmentosa?
The health care center makes a diagnosis from medical records and physical examination. Examination of the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope will reveal dark spots on the retina. Other methods of diagnosis:
- Color vision
- Retina examination with ophthalmoscopy after pupil dilation
- Angiography with incandescent light
- Intraocular pressure
- The amount of electrical activity on the retina (electroretinogram)
- Pupillary responsiveness
- Refraction test
- Retinal photography
- Visual field test
- Examination of light gaps
- Visual acuity
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat retinitis pigmentosa?
The following lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you treat retinitis pigmentosa:
- Be aware that retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary disease. Knowing your family medical history can provide you with insight into the type of disorder you have. Genetic counseling and testing can determine whether your child has a potential for this disease or not
- Contact your nearest health center if you have vision problems, or experience loss of vision around you
- If you have any questions, please consult your doctor for further understanding and the best solution for your condition
- See an ophthalmologist regularly. A low vision specialist can help you adapt to vision loss
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
