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Retinitis Pigmentosa
Alternate Names : RP
DefinitionRetinitis pigmentosa is a progressive degeneration of the retina (part of the eye) which affects night vision and peripheral vision.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Retinitis pigmentosa commonly runs in families. The disorder can be caused by defects in a number of different genes which have recently been identified.
The cells controlling night vision, called rods, are most likely to be affected. However, in some cases, retinal cone cells are most damaged. The hallmark of the disease is the presence of dark pigmented spots in the retina.
As the disease progresses, peripheral vision is greadually lost. The condition may eventually lead to blindness, but this is usually not complete blindness. Signs and symptoms often first appear in childhood, but severe visual problems do not usually develop until early adulthood.
The main risk factor is a family history of retinitis pigmentosa. It is an uncommon condition affecting about one in 4,000 people in the U.S.
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• Definition
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Symptoms & Signs
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Prevention
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Diagnosis & Tests
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Prognosis
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
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Tests & Exams
• Fluorescein Angiography
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• Blindness
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Review Date : 5/9/2002
Reviewed By : Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology, Universtiy of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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