While it is imperative to visit an eye doctor once a year for regular checkups, it is also critical to schedule an appointment when any type of vision change occurs. This includes sensitivity to bright lights, trouble differentiating colors, difficulty seeing at night or changes in peripheral vision. While these changes could point to a variety of conditions, they are all also symptoms of a rare but serious eye disease known as retinitis pigmentosa.
While some types of eye disease are a result of lifestyle habits or other health problems, retinitis pigmentosa is a purely genetic condition. It is possible for parents to carry the gene and not suffer from the disease while still passing it on to their offspring. While the overall timeline can vary from person to person, symptoms typically develop in early childhood. For many individuals, symptoms worsen over time to lead to total vision loss around middle age. However, an early diagnosis from an eye doctor and certain preventative treatments can help slow the progression of the disease.
At the first sign of the aforementioned symptoms, patients or parents should schedule an appointment with an optometrist. It is also important to maintain annual checkups with a pediatrician and eye doctor to help detect signs of the disease as early in life as possible. A variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures may be used when retinitis pigmentosa is a concern.
As with most regular eye exams, an eye doctor will dilate the pupils using eye drops and use an opthamaloscope to examine the retinas of the eyes. As the name of the disease suggests, a patient with the condition will exhibit spots or discolorations on the retinas when the disease is present. An electroretinogram may also be conducted, which studies how the retinas react to flashes of light after placing a special lens over the eye. Visual field tests may help detect changes in peripheral vision.
Once a doctor suspects that the cause is retinitis pigmentosa, blood tests will be ordered to confirm the presence of the disease as well as the specific genetic abnormality. In the case of a confirmed diagnosis, family members should also be screened for the disease.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this rare but debilitating eye disease. However, certain oral medications can reduce swelling of the retina, slowing down the disease and preventing some symptoms for a time. Wearing sunglasses regularly can help protect from excess damage from the harmful UV rays that speed up vision loss. A diet high in vitamin A can also help to keep symptoms at bay but should be monitored closely for safety, as high doses can be harmful. Later in life, retinal implants can restore partial sight in some patients.
Individuals who experience or notice the signs of retinitis pigmentosa should see an eye doctor promptly. The physician will use a variety of methods to test for the disease, including blood work to pinpoint the genetic mutation responsible. While this hereditary condition ultimately leads to vision loss, it can be slowed with early diagnosis and treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Contact lens exams are fundamental to maintaining clear vision and promoting overall eye health. Many individuals rely on contact lenses for daily activities, sports, and social events, yet consistent monitoring of lens fit and eye condition often receives less attention than it deserves. An optometrist specializing in evaluating the cornea, tear film, and general ocular…
Red, irritated eyes can result from something as simple as fatigue or dryness. However, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring red eye treatment from an optometrist. Understanding when those everyday symptoms become something more serious is key to protecting long-term vision and avoiding complications. Catching the signs early on and…
Vision health is an important part of your everyday life. When urgent and unexpected issues arise, you must seek emergency eye care from an optometrist. Whether the issue results from trauma, infection, or sudden changes, immediate attention from an optometrist can prevent complications and preserve your long-term ocular health.Individuals may need emergency eye care for…
A myopia optometrist can help manage and slow the progression of nearsightedness, especially in children and young adults. Nearsightedness, or myopia, causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Without proper care, myopia can worsen over time, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of eye health problems.Myopia occurs when the…
Catching the signs early on and knowing what treatments are available can make all the…
Contact lens exams are fundamental to maintaining clear vision and promoting overall eye health.
When urgent and unexpected issues arise, you must seek emergency eye care from an optometrist.
A myopia optometrist can help manage and slow the progression of nearsightedness, especially in children…
Transition lenses offer a seamless solution for patients seeking comfort, convenience, and protection from varying…
Comprehensive eye care at every stage of your life ensures the best possible vision and…