Retinitis Pigmentosa: an improved Clinical Approach

Abstract

Primary pigmentary degeneration of the retina, more commonly called ‘retinitis pigmentosa’ has been recognized as a clinical entity since 1855. Its discovery came within a few years after the invention of the ophthalmoscope by Helmholtz in 1851. Since that time we have come to recognize RP as a group of similar-appearing clinical disorders characterized by night blindness, tunnel vision, retinal arteriolar narrowing, waxy pallor of the disc, and characteristic mid-peripheral and peripheral pigmentary deposits within the neurosensory retina. With the exception of one exceedingly rare form of the disease (Bassen-Kornzweig Syndrome), there is no known cure for any of the other forms of RP, although many different therapeutic approaches have been made, some of them bordering on the fantastic.