Sunway City:Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the retina, leading to progressive degeneration, night blindness, and loss of peripheral vision. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and proper management can help patients maximize their remaining vision and improve their quality of life.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Tara Mary George, a consultant ophthalmologist at Sunway Medical Centre, explains that RP is not a single disease but a group of inherited conditions where the retina malfunctions from the start. The retina converts light into signals for the brain to interpret as vision, but in RP, genetic mutations particularly affect rod cells, which are crucial for low-light and peripheral vision.

Dr. George notes that difficulty seeing in dim environments is often an early sign of RP, with affected individuals struggling to navigate in dark spaces like cinemas. As RP progresses, patients may experience tunnel vision and difficulties in avoiding obstacles.

Although RP is genetic, its symptoms can vary widely among patients, with some experiencing early onset in childhood and others noticing changes later in life. The severity and onset of symptoms depend on which parts of the retina are affected by the genetic mutations.

Diagnosing RP involves more than a routine eye exam, requiring detailed medical histories and specialized tests like visual field assessments and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. An electroretinogram (ERG) can measure the retina's electrical response to light, though availability is limited in Malaysia.

Dr. Daphne Teh, another specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, emphasizes that although an RP diagnosis can be daunting, current care focuses on helping patients adapt and maintain independence. Regular monitoring, vision testing, and treatment for complications such as cataracts are part of the follow-up care.

Practical lifestyle changes, such as better home lighting and reducing night driving, can enhance daily life for RP patients. Technological advances, including digital magnifiers and text-to-speech software, are transforming how patients live and work, while emotional support remains crucial for their overall well-being.

Both specialists highlight the importance of raising awareness, early detection, and timely support, as ongoing research, including gene therapy, offers hope for future advancements in RP management.