Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is described by eye specialists as a group of eye diseases that rarely manifests in individuals and is thoroughly dependent on their genetics. As an example of the name, these diseases develop in the retina of the eye that is responsible for carrying out many functions relating to image formation.
As the performance of the cells in the retina decline as a result of RP, your vision begins to diminish and gets lost altogether with time. The outcome of these diseases can be dealt with using a well planned and prescribed treatment that will help cope with the reduced visibility in the best manner possible.
Understanding The Disease In Detail
The group of conditions can result in a permanent loss of sight over time due to the effects of over 3 types of cells in the retina.
Type 1: Photoreceptor Cells Complication
The first being photoreceptor cells of the retina that are responsible for taking the light energy from the image projected in front of the eye and converting it into electrical signals to send the information to the brain. With RP showing signs of development, these cells stop functioning as needed and result in blindness.
Type 2: Rods And Cones Issue
RP also affects the rods and cones present on your retina. The rods are responsible for light detection and help in perceiving images both in bright light as well as the night. When RP develops further, these cells begin to function inefficiently, and night blindness is caused as a result. Ultimately peripheral vision is also lost, leading to the conditions of a tunnel vision exiting that reduces the field of vision significantly.
As for the cones, these cells help detect color and also help in the image formation of the objects and subjects present in the central vision. This is severely affected when RP degenerates the retina and eventually leads to a loss in perceiving colors and then images all together.
Treatments And Interventions
When you are diagnosed with RP, your eye doctor will begin the best-suited course of treatment, which can help reduce the severity of vision loss and even help in restoring some lost vision. Ophthalmologists often recommend wearing sunglasses to help avoid the effects of UV radiation on the eyes that can accelerate the symptoms of RP. At the same time, a pair of sun goggles can help your eyes less sensitive to light.
As a side effect when macular edema or the swelling of the retina is experienced, using acetazolamide can prove to be useful in reducing the swelling and concurrently improving the quality of vision. A retinal implant is also a possibility with modern medicine where partial sight can be restored when RP has developed into a later stage already. The implant is inserted into one eye alone and has proven to receive positive feedback from its users.
Replacement of damaged cells is another method that is being heavily reviewed as a means to combat the advice effects of RP. Gene therapy can also help as it proposes the idea of inserting healthy genes into your retina and interfering in the pre-programmed genetics of the retinal cells. An eye hospital can help install as well as treat your eye condition in the best way possible with their available means of treatment.
To cope with your specific case of RP in the most optimal manner, it is necessary to get the condition of your disease diagnosed and your vision evaluated in every aspect. At Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center, our doctors can provide the needed care and support with their unparalleled experience and expertise. Book an appointment with us today to avail these benefits.