# What is Retinitis Pigmentosa? Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-is-retinitis-pigmentosa **Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-16 > **Summary:** Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic eye condition in which the rod cells of the retina, which make night vision clearer, lose their function and die over time. It is one of the most common causes of night blindness (though the two are not the same thing) and can progress to tunnel vision and, in the final stage, a risk of complete blindness. There is no definitive cure; gene therapy helps only in people with an RPE65 gene defect. ## Quick Facts - **Frequency:** About one person in every 3,000 to 5,000 - **Cause:** Genetic; mutations in more than a hundred gene regions, most often a rhodopsin gene defect - **First symptom:** Reduced, blurred vision at night - **Cure:** None definitive; gene therapy only for RPE65 gene defects - **Contagious:** No --- ## What is Retinitis Pigmentosa? - Rod cells in the retina lose their function for genetic reasons; they generally reduce in number from birth onwards and die. - In late stages the cone cells that provide central vision can also be lost. - Early stages: patients see a doctor because night vision has fallen. Advanced stages: daytime vision falls too, quality of life drops and sight loss follows. ## Causes - Arises from genetics, not from any other cause: mutations passed down within a family or genes concerned with rod cell development. - Studies have shown it can appear through mutations in more than a hundred gene regions; the most common is a defect in the rhodopsin gene. ## Symptoms by Stage - **Early:** Unclear, blurred night vision and sight loss at night. - **Progressing:** The field of vision narrows from the outside inwards, forming tunnel vision; the surroundings look black and the person sees only by focusing on a single point. - **Final stage:** Cells providing central vision are badly affected; risk of complete blindness. ## Diagnosis - History first: complaints and whether family members have similar symptoms; this often gives at least a partial diagnosis. - Dilated eye examination, visual field test and an eye scan. - The doctor may also request colour fundus photography, electrophysiological tests and autofluorescence imaging. ## Treatment - No definitive cure; treatment is shaped by test results. - **Gene therapy:** Can help improve visual function in people with an RPE65 gene defect; not effective in other gene types. - **PRP (platelet rich plasma):** Blood is taken, processed, and the platelet rich plasma is injected into the white part of the eye, aiming to reduce damage to remaining cells. Benefit not proven; not an established treatment. - **Stem cell treatment:** Similar aim to PRP; it does not replace damaged cells but aims to release nourishing factors that might delay cell death. Not proven either. - Treatment options vary from person to person; only the assessing ophthalmologist can decide. ## Diet - Antioxidant-rich foods and a Mediterranean style diet weighted towards olive oil and green vegetables may affect the course positively. - Foods with vitamin A, carotene, B12, B6, folic acid, lutein and omega 3 are recommended. - High-dose vitamin A supplements can be harmful; do not take them without a doctor's advice. - Smokers are advised to stop and avoid smoky places. ## Driving Licence - Early stage: no obstacle to obtaining a licence, but night driving is not advised. - Advanced stage with markedly narrowed visual field: obtaining a licence is not possible. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Can retinitis pigmentosa be treated completely?** A: No treatment removes it completely. In certain genetic subtypes, gene therapy can give limited improvement. The aim is to slow the condition and preserve existing vision; an ophthalmologist decides the approach. **Q: Does retinitis pigmentosa always end in blindness?** A: No. Type, age of onset, genetic features and other eye conditions affect the course; some people have only partial loss of night vision and visual field, others more serious loss. Regular follow-up, protective measures and suitable treatment can help slow it. **Q: Is it contagious?** A: No. It is an inherited retinal condition; risk in family members depends on their genetic features, and genetic counselling is recommended where necessary. **Q: Do glasses or contact lenses correct it?** A: No. They correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, not retinal cell damage, but they help make the best use of remaining vision. **Q: Can patients with retinitis pigmentosa drive?** A: In early stages, if visual field and acuity are sufficient and the country's driving regulations are met. Once the field narrows or acuity falls below certain limits, obtaining or renewing a licence may not be possible. Each case is assessed by eye examination and official medical report; follow the doctor's advice especially on night driving. --- ## References - Retinitis Pigmentosa, EyeWiki (AAO) - Retinitis Pigmentosa, NEI - What Is Retinitis Pigmentosa?, AAO