Best Retinitis Pigmentosa Doctors in Indore

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary eye disorders that disrupt the retina's normal functioning, causing progressive vision loss. It occurs due to genetic alterations that prevent the proper functioning of retinal cells, especially the photoreceptors (rods and cones responsible for vision). The common early symptom is difficulty with night vision, subsequently leading to gradual peripheral vision loss or 'tunnel vision.' With time, central vision might also be impacted, leading to legal blindness in several instances.

In Indore, a flourishing city in the heart of India, RP is not an uncommon diagnosis. The retinitis pigmentosa specialists at Apollo Hospitals in Indore have come across numerous cases with varying degrees of severity. While the city's lifestyle does not directly contribute to the occurrence of RP, the genetic prevalence among some families necessitates the need for highly qualified doctors for retinitis pigmentosa treatment. These doctors work to devise personalised treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of their patients.

Types/Stages of Retinitis Pigmentosa

The main types of RP are:

• Autosomal Dominant RP: A mutation in a gene on a non-sex chromosome causes this form of RP, which accounts for 30%-40% of RP cases. It needs only one copy of the mutated gene to trigger the disorder.

• Autosomal Recessive RP: This requires two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent and accounts for 20%-30% of RP cases.

• X-linked RP: Triggered by a mutation in a gene on the X chromosome and can be passed down from a mother to her children.

• Usher Syndrome: Involves RP combined with hearing loss, affecting 3%-6% of RP patients.

• Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: Another less common form where RP is combined with other symptoms like obesity and kidney problems.

Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa

The key symptoms of RP include:

• Night blindness and difficulty adjusting to dim lighting

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, creating a 'tunnel vision' effect

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Difficulty seeing colours, especially blue

• Blurry vision due to cataracts that might develop later in the disease

Tests to Diagnose Retinitis Pigmentosa

To diagnose RP, the best doctors for retinitis pigmentosa treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Indore employ several diagnostic methods, such as:

• Dilated Eye Exam: The specialist examines the retina at the back of the eye using eye drops that widen the pupils to check for RP-related changes, such as retinal pigment deposits, blood vessel narrowing, and optic nerve pallor.

• Retinal Imaging: Techniques like retinal photography and optical coherence tomography provide detailed images of the retina and track disease progression.

• Visual Field Testing: This is used to assess peripheral vision loss.

• Electroretinography: Measures the retina's electrical activity in response to light stimuli.

• Genetic Testing: It identifies the specific gene mutation causing RP, vital for understanding disease progression and potential treatments.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Retinitis Pigmentosa at Apollo Hospitals, Indore

At Apollo Hospitals in Indore, the doctors for retinitis pigmentosa offer various treatments to manage RP symptoms, including:

• Medications: Vitamin A palmitate and Acetazolamide are commonly used to slow down the progression of RP and reduce macular oedema, respectively.

• Gene Therapy: FDA-approved Luxturna therapy is used for a specific type of RP caused by mutations in both copies of the RPE65 gene.

• Retinal Implants: Argus II retinal implant can provide partial sight restoration in late-stage RP.

• Low Vision Aids and Rehabilitation: Various devices like magnifiers and large-print reading materials are recommended along with rehabilitation training.