Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. The most common feature of all forms of RP is a gradual breakdown of rods and cones.

Most forms of RP first cause the breakdown of rod cells. These forms of RP, sometimes called rod-cone dystrophy, usually begin with night blindness. RP is typically diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. It is a progressive disorder. The rate of progression and degree of visual loss varies from person to person. RP can be inherited in a dominant, recessive or X-linked fashion.