Retinitis pigmentosa is a type of retinal dystrophy and it’s a genetic condition. It affects the retina at the back of the eye and causes the retinal cells to gradually stop processing light, leading to vision loss.
Although symptoms can develop at any age, they usually happen in childhood and begin with difficulty seeing in dim light, experiencing light sensitivity, and having trouble with your peripheral vision.
You can find more information about the causes, symptoms and treatments of retinitis pigmentosa on the NHS website.
Practical ways to make the most of your vision with retinitis pigmentosa include:
Your ophthalmologist may be able to refer you for a low vision assessment (LVA) to explore the kind of aids that will help you. Local social services and Guide Dogs can also support you in keeping safe at home and out and about with vision loss.
At Guide Dogs, we have a wide range of services, both with and without guide dogs, and a team of experts who can work with you to understand your needs and agree on a plan that’s right for you.
The ways we could help you:
Enquire today, so we can help to find solutions that work for you.
Please note: Whilst Guide Dogs may be able to suggest various third-party websites which may be able to assist you, those are not endorsed by Guide Dogs. Guide Dogs have no control over those third parties and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information and support they can provide or the suitability and quality of any products or services they provide.
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Our experts can help you find ways to live actively, independently and well with sight loss.
Learn about our range of services to support children and young people, helping to provide them with the skills they need to live an independent and active life.
Learn about apps and helpful technology that can support you with everyday tasks.