12/10/2025
Describe about Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) ??
⭐Definition :-
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited, progressive retinal degenerative disorders that primarily affect the photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), leading to gradual loss of vision.
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✨ Pathophysiology :-
👉 Rods (responsible for night and peripheral vision) are affected first → leading to night blindness and tunnel vision.
👉 Later, cones (responsible for central and color vision) degenerate → causing loss of central and color vision.
👉 The retina gradually shows characteristic pigment deposits, vascular attenuation, and optic disc pallor.
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⭐Signs and Symptoms :-
💐 Stage Symptoms :-
✨Early Stage •
Night blindness (Nyctalopia) — difficulty seeing in dim light.• Peripheral vision loss — “tunnel vision.”
✨Middle Stage •
Gradual constriction of visual fields.• Photopsia — flashes of light.• Difficulty adapting from light to dark environments.
✨Advanced Stage •
Loss of central vision.• Color vision defects.• Complete blindness in late stages (in severe cases).
⭐Fundus Findings (Clinical Signs):
👍 Bone-spicule–shaped pigment deposits in mid-periphery.
👍 Attenuated (narrow) retinal arterioles.
👍 Waxy pale optic disc.
👍 Possible macular involvement in later stages.
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⭐ Diagnosis :-
✨Fundus examination → shows characteristic pigmentation.
✨Visual field testing → constricted fields.
✨Electroretinogram (ERG) → reduced or absent rod and cone response.
✨Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) → thinning of retina.
✨Genetic testing → confirms mutation type.
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⭐💐 Treatment 💐 :-
👉(There is no complete cure, but progression can be slowed and vision supported)
✨1. Medical Management:
👉Vitamin A palmitate (15,000 IU/day) may slow progression (use only under doctor supervision).
👉Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) supplements may be beneficial.
👉Lutein & Zeaxanthin support macular health.
✨2. Low Vision Aids:
👉Magnifiers, telescopic lenses, and mobility training.
👉Orientation and vision rehabilitation.
✨3. Advanced Therapies:
👉Retinal implants (Argus II) — artificial vision in advanced cases.
👉Gene therapy — available for some genetic types (e.g., RPE65 mutation).
👉Stem cell therapy — under research.
✨4. Protection:
👉UV-protective glasses to reduce retinal damage.
👉Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet.
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⭐ Prognosis ✅ :-
👍RP is progressive and irreversible, but early diagnosis and proper management can preserve functional vision for many years.
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