Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a type of inherited retinal disease (IRD).
  • RP is an inherited eye condition.
  • Inherited eye conditions are caused by a 'change’ or 'mistake’ in a gene or genes.
  • RP damages the light sensitive cells of the retina and causes vision to deteriorate.
  • For most IRDs there is no treatment and management is focused on support and rehabilitative services to maximise remaining vision.
  • Currently there is a commercially available gene-replacement treatment for a very rare IRD caused by the specific RPE65 gene.
  • Symptoms include difficulty seeing in dark or dim environments, and reduced side vision, otherwise known as tunnel vision.
  • It is often difficult to accurately predict how RP will progress with each person.

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 26-06-2023