Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the name given to a group of inherited conditions of the retina

that all lead to a gradual progressive reduction in vision. Difficulties with night vision and peripheral (‘side’) vision are the first things that are noticed. Later, reading vision (detailed vision), colour vision, and central (‘straight-ahead’) vision are affected.

 

The age at which symptoms start is variable and the rate of deterioration often varies – for

example with the different genetic types – but is generally very slow with changes occurring over years rather than months. In approximately half of all cases there are other family members with RP.

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There are three main inheritance patterns, autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and X-linkedinheritance, depending on the genetic cause, with RP affecting approximately 1 in 3,000 to 4,000 people.

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Research is on going into treatments for RP, there are currently 2 gene therapy trials in the UK and a third in the US.

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To find out more information about Retinitis Pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases, please visit www.retinauk.org.uk