Best Retinitis Pigmentosa Doctors in Lucknow

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an uncommon genetic disorder that leads to the progressive loss of vision by damaging the retina, a vital light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. RP is caused by variations in over 60 different genes inherited from parents. This disease typically commences during childhood and gradually progresses over time, impairing night vision and peripheral sight in its early stages, and as it advances, it affects central vision as well as colour perception.

Lucknow's medical field stands equipped with retinitis pigmentosa specialists and some of the best doctors for retinitis pigmentosa treatment. Institutions like Apollo Hospitals offer comprehensive care for RP patients with top-notch doctors for retinitis pigmentosa disease treatment.

Types/Stages of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa presents in several forms including:

• Usher Syndrome: A condition that affects both hearing and vision.

• Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA): An early-onset retinal dystrophy that causes severe visual impairment from birth.

• Rod-Cone Dystrophy: A condition where rod cells are predominantly affected, leading to night blindness.

• Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: A multi-system disorder causing vision loss among other symptoms.

Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa

The initial signs of RP typically involve difficulties in seeing at night or in low light conditions. As the disease advances, symptoms can include:

• Trouble adjusting to changes in lighting

• Sensitivity to bright light (Photophobia)

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, leading to tunnel vision

• Eventual loss of central vision, making reading and colour perception difficult

Tests to Diagnose Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is diagnosed by retinitis pigmentosa doctors through a series of tests including:

• Visual Field and Acuity Tests: To measure vision loss

• Fundus and Optical Coherence Imagery: To look for retinal changes

• Electroretinography (ERG): To evaluate the function of light-sensitive cells in the retina

• Genetic Testing: To identify the specific mutation causing the disease

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

While there is no definitive cure for RP, retinitis pigmentosa treatment doctors recommend various treatment strategies that help slow down vision loss:

• High-Dose Vitamin A Palmitate Supplements: This can help slow down retinal degeneration.

• Sunglasses: These assist in reducing light sensitivity and protecting remaining vision.

• Low Vision Devices: Devices like magnifying glasses can maximise remaining vision.

• Emerging Treatments: Gene therapy, Retinal implants, and Stem cell therapy also hold promise for the future.