Treatment:

There is no effective treatment for this condition. Wearing sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may help preserve vision.

Controversial studies have suggested that treatment with antioxidants (such as vitamin A palmitate) may slow the disease from getting worse.

Several clinical trials are in progress to investigate new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa.

Microchip implants that go inside the retina are in the early stages of development for treating blindness associated with this condition.

It can help to see a low-vision specialist. Make regular visits to an eye care specialist, who can screen for cataracts or retinal swelling -- both of which can be treated.

Expectations (prognosis):

The disorder will continue to progress, although slowly. Complete blindness is uncommon.

Complications:

Peripheral and central loss of vision will eventually occur.

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa often develop cataracts at an early age. Cataracts can be removed if they cause vision loss.

Many other conditions have similarities to retinitis pigmentosa, including:

• Friedreich's ataxia
• Laurence-Moon syndrome (also called Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome)
• Mucopolysaccharidosis
• Muscular dystrophy (myotonic dystrophy)
• Usher syndrome (a combination of retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if night vision becomes difficult or if you develop other symptoms of this disorder.