About Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment
In retinitis pigmentosa, the aim is to preserve current vision and monitor the progression of the disease. The approach is largely based on genetic evaluation, follow-up and rehabilitation.
Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disease characterised by the progressive loss of retinal cells; it first affects night vision and then peripheral vision. The course and pace vary from person to person according to the genetic type.
Genetic counselling and regular retinal examinations are important in managing the process; gene therapies and stem cell research are promising. For the symptoms, see our Retinitis Pigmentosa page.
Who Is It For and When Is It Used?
Management of retinitis pigmentosa is planned in the following situations:
- Difficulty with night vision: In patients with vision loss in dim environments who need diagnosis and follow-up.
- Narrowing of the visual field: Regular visual field follow-up in cases developing tunnel vision.
- Family history: Genetic evaluation in people with similar complaints in their family.
- Difficulty in daily life: In patients who may benefit from low vision rehabilitation.
- Accompanying cataract: Treatment of accompanying conditions that further reduce vision.
Treatment Methods
The main approaches used in retinitis pigmentosa:
- Genetic evaluation: Allows the hereditary nature of the disease to be examined and family members to be informed.
- Retinal follow-up: Regular retinal examinations and visual field follow-up monitor the course of the disease.
- Low vision rehabilitation: With magnifiers and special devices, can help improve patients’ quality of daily life.
- Gene therapies and stem cell research: Promising research is ongoing today in certain gene types.
Featured Approaches
Preserving Vision
Regular follow-up and rehabilitation to preserve current vision and support quality of life.
Follow-up
The course is monitored with visual field and retinal follow-up.
Low Vision
Current vision is used efficiently with magnifiers and devices.
Management
Conditions such as cataract are treated appropriately.
Quality of Life Preserved
Counselling & Research
Genetic counselling and assessment of emerging treatments for suitable candidates.
Counselling
The inheritance type is determined and the family informed.
Candidate
Candidacy for gene therapy is assessed in certain gene types.
Research
Stem cell and implant studies are followed.
Promising Approaches
Do you have a family history?
A comprehensive assessment is planned for early diagnosis, follow-up and genetic counselling.
Benefits & Follow-up
What Rehabilitation Offers
Low vision rehabilitation increases independence in daily life.
- Magnifier and device support
- Preserving daily living skills
- Improved quality of life
Regular Follow-up
Regular retinal and visual field follow-up is important in managing the process.
- Visual field follow-up
- Management of accompanying diseases
- Genetic counselling