Cone Dystrophy
20 November 2023
Congenital Nystagmus
20 November 2023
Retinitis pigmentosa is a generalized name for a group of hereditary disorders, the result of genetic mutations. It is characterized by a gradual decrease in the visual field and progressive degeneration initially of the rods, photoreceptors which are responsible for peripheral vision and for night perception, and later the degeneration of the cones, photoreceptors located in the center of the retina, in the macula, and are responsible for central vision, recognition of details and colors. Retinitis pigmentosa is a binocular disease, but depending on the type of disease, both the age of onset of the disease and the rate of its progression differ.
Clinical symptoms:
- Limitation of the visual field (tubular vision).
- Gradual deterioration of visual acuity.
- Nyctalopia (decrease in night vision).
- Premature cataracts.
- Difficulty adapting to changes in brightness, from bright light to dark and vice versa.
Unfortunately, retinitis pigmentosa can gradually lead to very low vision, and even to blindness. The course of the disease varies considerably from person to person.
It is important for patients, from the very early stages of the disease after diagnosis, to consult our low vision specialist optometrist. Using low vision aids and special low vision glasses, the optometrist can help patients make the most of their visual field and optically expand it if it has already narrowed, delivering the best possible functional vision.
Special protective filter glasses are also useful. They minimize discomfort from bright light, help with adapting to changes in lighting, and improve visual perception at night.
