Best Doctors for Retinitis Pigmentosa in Hyderabad

Types/Stages of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Some common RP categories include:

• Autosomal Dominant RP: Around 30%-40% of all RP cases belong to this category. In this form, only one copy of the mutated gene is needed to cause the disorder.

• Autosomal Recessive RP: In this type, two copies of the mutated gene are inherited, one from each parent. It is responsible for 20%-30% of RP cases.

• X-linked RP: This form is caused by a mutation in a gene on the X chromosome and accounts for 10%-20% of RP incidences.

Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa

The symptoms of RP may vary among individuals but commonly include:

• Difficulty adapting to dim lighting or night blindness

• Loss of peripheral vision, gradually leading to tunnel vision

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Issues with distinguishing colours, especially blue

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

Tests to Diagnose Retinitis Pigmentosa

To diagnose RP, the best doctors for retinitis pigmentosa treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad diagnose RP using a variety of tests such as:

• Dilated Eye Exam: The doctor uses eye drops to widen the pupils and then examines the retina for any characteristic RP-associated changes, such as retinal pigment deposits, blood vessel narrowing, and optic nerve pallor.

• Retinal Imaging: Techniques like retinal photography and optical coherence tomography are used to obtain detailed retinal images and track disease progression.

• Visual Field Testing: This assesses any loss in peripheral vision.

• Electroretinography: This test measures the retina’s electrical activity in response to light stimuli.

• Genetic Testing: This identifies the specific gene mutation causing RP in a patient, helping understand disease progress and potential treatments.

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

The doctors for retinitis pigmentosa at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad offer several treatment options for RP, including:

• Medications: High doses of Vitamin A palmitate may slow down RP progression, while acetazolamide can help reduce macular oedema, improving vision.

• Gene Therapy: FDA-approved gene therapy, Luxturna, delivers a healthy copy of the RPE65 gene to the retina.

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

• Low Vision Aids and Rehabilitation: Devices like magnifiers, large-print reading materials, computer screen readers and rehabilitation training can help individuals with RP maximise their remaining vision.