Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited retinal diseases that gradually damage the cells responsible for night, peripheral, and sometimes central vision. A person may first notice difficulty driving after sunset, navigating a dark theater, or adjusting after stepping out of the bright Arizona sun.
Symptoms and progression differ considerably. Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center provides retina care across Arizona to help identify the cause of these vision changes and develop an appropriate monitoring and support plan.
How Retinitis Pigmentosa Affects Vision
The retina contains two main types of light-sensitive cells:
Rods support peripheral vision and vision in dim light.
Cones support central vision, fine detail, and color perception.
Retinitis pigmentosa often affects the rods first. This explains why reduced night vision and narrowing side vision commonly appear before central vision changes. As more retinal cells deteriorate, some people develop tunnel vision or difficulty reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details.
Retinitis Pigmentosa Symptoms
- Difficulty seeing at night or in dim environments
- Slow adjustment when moving from bright light into darkness
- Reduced side vision
- Bumping into objects or missing steps outside the central view
- Tunnel vision
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Reduced color or central vision later in the condition
Night vision problems do not always indicate retinitis pigmentosa. Cataracts, glaucoma, prescription changes, diabetes-related eye disease, and other retinal conditions can cause similar symptoms. Learn more about other causes of night blindness.
Genetic Causes and Inheritance
Changes in many different genes can cause retinitis pigmentosa. These genetic differences influence when symptoms begin, how quickly they progress, and whether other parts of the body become involved.
Inheritance may follow an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked pattern. A person can also have retinitis pigmentosa without a known family history. Previous generations may have gone undiagnosed, or relatives may carry a genetic change without developing noticeable symptoms.
Genetic testing may identify the gene involved and help clarify whether family members could be affected. A doctor may also recommend genetic counseling. Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center’s guide to genetic eye conditions provides additional information about inherited vision disorders.
How Doctors Diagnose Retinitis Pigmentosa
A diagnosis begins with a review of symptoms, medical history, and family history. A comprehensive eye exam and retinal evaluation may include:
| Test | What It Evaluates |
| Dilated retinal exam | Retina and optic nerve health |
| Visual field test | Peripheral vision and blind spots |
| Optical coherence tomography | Detailed retinal layers |
| Fundus imaging | Retinal appearance and changes over time |
| Electroretinography | Retinal cells’ electrical response to light |
| Genetic testing | Possible inherited gene changes |
The results help distinguish retinitis pigmentosa from other conditions and create a baseline for monitoring future changes.
Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment and Vision Support
One gene therapy is available for a small group of people with confirmed changes in both copies of the RPE65 gene and viable retinal cells. The FDA explains that LUXTURNA treats retinal dystrophy associated with confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations. It does not treat every form of retinitis pigmentosa.
Depending on individual needs, ongoing care may include:
- Low-vision rehabilitation
- Updated glasses or glare-reducing lenses
- Magnification and screen-reading technology
- Improved lighting and high-contrast materials
- Orientation, mobility, workplace, or school support
- Treatment for related cataracts or retinal swelling
Practical home adaptations for low vision can also improve safety and make everyday activities easier.
Schedule a Retina Evaluation in Arizona
Difficulty seeing at night, narrowing side vision, slow dark adaptation, or a family history of inherited retinal disease deserves a thorough evaluation.
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center provides retinal evaluation and imaging for patients across Arizona. Find a nearby Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center location or schedule an eye care appointment online to discuss your symptoms and next steps.