Common Vision Problems

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases developing inside the pigmented area of the retina of the eye. They tend to become apparent between age 10 and 30, although some types of retinitis pigmentosa occur in childhood or later in life. Vision changes include night blindness, loss of side vision, and "tunnel vision.”

The most common symptom of retinitis pigmentosa is a personal history of visual problems at dusk or in low light. This problem cannot be helped by corrective lenses, however, because the retina itself is deteriorating. Your optometrist can help you adapt to living with retinitis pigmentosa.

All content is provided for education and information, and is no substitute for the advice of your optometrist. This information is provided courtesy of the British Columbia Association of Optometrists (B.C.A.O.). The B.C.A.O. assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information contained herein.