Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

One of the most devastating conditions affecting the rods is “retinitis pigmentosa,” an inherited disorder in which the rods gradually degenerate.  With time, night vision is severely affected.  Eventually, all peripheral vision will continue to be destroyed to the point where only central or “tunnel” vision remains.  There is no known treatment; however, since blue and ultraviolet light may make aggravate the condition, amber-colored glasses with an ultraviolet absorption coating, worn during the day, may slow down the disease process.  Studies have shown that retinitis pigmentosa is caused by mutations in the rhodopsin gene, the peripherin gene, and possibly in other genes within the rod.  Mutations in the peripherin gene also may be the cause of another devastating retinal disorder: “macular dystrophy.”