My husband has retinitis pigmentosa, which was diagnosed when he was in his
early 30s. It has been relatively stable, although being hit with a volleyball
so damaged his right eye that it is now useless. He is going for a checkup in
a couple of weeks, but lately his peripheral vision seems to be worsening. At
least, that is his impression. I'm hoping we'll discover it hasn't actually
gotten worse. Is there an information source on Internet about RP? What is
the prognosis--do some people not get any worse? Are there dietary/lifestyle
implications? (We eat practically no-fat mostly vegetarian now, and my husband
does Nautilus workouts and rides a bike as much as possible.)
Thank you!
(What is this marvelous service? Anything to do with AAO? I just finished
doing the index to their 1995 catalog, which is why I ask..)
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Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary condition which causes the retina to degenerate, and thus, causes loss of vision. Retinitis pigmentosa is part of a larger group of disorders called retinal pigmentary disorders, because of characteristic changes in the appearance of the retina in those affected. Inheritance patterns differ depending on the specific type of retinal pigmentary disorder.
The characteristic changes in vision that occur in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are loss of night vision, loss of peripheral vision and some degree of difficulty with central vision. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that any intervention will alter the progession of this disease. Whereas diet and excercise are advantageous in general, it is unlikely that they will have any bearing on RP.
I am not aware of any specific information source about RP on the Internet. Certainly, if you would like more technical information, you could contact me directly by email and I will provide you with some references.
Finally, this "marvelous service" is part of the National Public Telecomputing Network. It is a private organization, dedicated to providing community access to computer resources throughout the world. Academy One is the educational arm of OFCN, providing specific information to school-aged children and their families.
OFCN is not associated with the AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology). I personally, am a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the AAO. I also serve as the Medical Director of OFCN.
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Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
A RICHARD E. GANS, M.D. 11
A A OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic 111
AAAAA xx102@ofcn.org 11
A A A C A D E M Y O N E 1111
http://www.ofcn.org:80/about.ofcn/whois/reg/
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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