Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited disease in which the light-sensitive retina of the eye progressively degenerates.
If this disease is suspected, a visual field test should be performed to reveal visual field narrowness.
Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün
Retina Diseases and Vitreoretinal Surgery Specialist
Born on March 20, 1968, in İzmir, Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün completed his middle education at Saint Joseph College and his high school education at Karşıyaka Gazi High School. After graduating from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1992, which he entered in 1986, he began his residency training in the Department of Ophthalmology at Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in the same year. In 1997, he became a specialist...
About Me VideosWhat are the symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa?
The first symptoms of RP usually appear in early childhood. Night vision decreases and the visual field may begin to narrow. Driving becomes especially dangerous at night.
As the retinal cells (rods) responsible for vision at dusk begin to deteriorate, night vision begins to decrease. In much more advanced stages, only a narrow central visual field remains.
It is impossible to say how much visual field loss will occur over how much time. However, an idea can be obtained over time with tests and doctor’s control.
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How is Retinitis Pigmentosa Diagnosed?
During an eye exam, your doctor examines your eyes and may perform one or more of the following tests to diagnose RP:
Eye fundus examination: This test is an examination that examines the back of the eye and is performed to detect signs of RP. For example, the presence of pigmented spots at the back of the eye may suggest RP.
Electroretinography (ERG): This test measures the electrical activity in the retina of the eye and can be performed to diagnose RP.
Genetic tests: RP is a genetic disease and therefore, genetic tests can be done to diagnose RP. For example, DNA samples can be collected and genetic tests can be performed on these samples to diagnose RP.
What is the Izmir Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment?
RP is a disease that progresses at different rates depending on the genetically inherited types. While some types appear later and progress slowly, some types appear at an earlier age and progress rapidly.
The treatments applied do not cure Retinis Pigmentosa disease, but they slow down the rate of progression of the disease.
The main treatments used today are the regular use of Vitamin A and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), under the supervision of a doctor.
Studies have shown that the course of the disease slows down with years of vitamin supplementation.
Apart from this, some promising methods are being developed for the treatment of Retinis Pigmentosa Izmir. One of these is gene therapy and the other is artificial retina implants. Such treatments are still in the experimental phase.
Gene therapy
In a paper published in June 2010, researchers reported that they managed to deliver gene therapy to the target cell, retina cells, with a microscopic-sized capsule.
It has been reported in different studies that gene therapy is delivered to retina cells using nano-particles and modified viruses.
It has been reported that retinal cells respond to light when artificially grown light-sensitive algae (a type of algae) are applied to the eye in an experimental environment. However, all these treatments are still in the experimental phase and have not yet been put into clinical use.
Artificial retina implants (microchips)
It is a treatment method aimed at stimulating the retina and optic nerve. It should be emphasized that it is still in the experimental phase.
One of the projects being worked on in this regard is Argus II Prosthesis systems. It was applied experimentally to a total of 10-15 patients, and it was reported that the patients perceived the movement at least partially.
The Argus II Prosthesis System has a digital camera mounted on glasses. The images in this camera are converted into electrical impulses and 1mmX1mm images placed under the retina. It is transmitted to the microchip electrodes in its size.
These electrodes act as damaged photoreceptors of the retina and transmit the electrical wave to the healthy optic nerve and from there to the brain. The brain converts this electrical message back into an image.
Argus II retina implant
A similar system is being developed by Retina Implant AG. It was applied experimentally to a total of 7 patients. It is stated that luminous shapes can be perceived by patients.
According to the data of the company that developed the project, the cost of the implant applied to one patient is reported as 200,000 USD.
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Is retinitis pigmentosa night blindness?
Since the diseases can continue to be interconnected, there may be confusion about whether Retinitis pigmentosa is night blindness. Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disease and an eye disease that causes vision loss over time. This disease causes damage to the photoreceptor cells in the eyes over time, often resulting in progressive loss. The disease usually begins with night blindness and can then lead to symptoms such as loss of tunnel vision, narrowing of the visual field, loss of color vision, and eventually complete blindness. There is no cure for retinitis pigmentosa, but many options are available to help relieve symptoms. Some patients may be supported with dietary changes such as vitamin supplements or medications such as antioxidants. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as avoiding bad weather or driving at night, may also be recommended.
New advances are being made to treat retinitis pigmentosa, and some research suggests that a variety of treatments can be used to slow the progression of the disease. These may include different methods such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy and electronic retina implants, but these treatments are still in the experimental stage and cannot be applied to all patients. Therefore, one of the best options available for treating retinitis pigmentosa is to diagnose the disease in its early stages and apply recommended treatments to relieve symptoms.
F.A.Q.
Does retinitis pigmentosa cause blindness?
Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetically occurring eye disease that causes the retinal layer to wear out. Retinitis pigmentosa reduces the night vision of the eyes and can also affect day vision. Retinitis pigmentosa can reduce vision over time and in some cases lead to blindness. Retinitis pigmentosa It is a generally progressive genetic disease and its first symptoms usually appear under the age of 30.
What causes retinitis pigmentosa?
The cause of retinitis pigmentosa is usually genetic. This disease causes the pigment cells in the retina layer of the eyes to wear out. These pigment cells are the cells that play an important role in the visual process of the eyes and provide the eyes with the sense of sight. This condition That is, Retinitis pigmentosa occurs as a result of the wear and tear of pigment cells and can therefore cause vision loss.
How is Retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed?
Retinitis pigmentosa is usually diagnosed during an eye examination. During the eye examination, the doctor performs a retinal examination with special devices. During this examination, the wear and tear of the pigment cells in the retina layer of the eyes can be observed. The doctor may also perform various tests to evaluate the eyesight. “This process may vary considerably from patient to patient under certain circumstances.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa
Hartong, D. T., Berson, E. L., & Dryja, T. P. (2006). Retinitis pigmentosa. The Lancet, 368(9549), 1795-1809.