We use all of our senses inherently to live our lives, learn, and survive. Imagine losing the ability to admire a sunset, read a good book, or to see the aging faces of your children and grandchildren. Coping with vision deterioration is the reality for many people who have degenerative retinal diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). These two diseases belong to a group of retinal disorders. Both diseases attack the retina; however, there are many differences. .
Retinitis Pigmentosa is an eye disease that affects a person's peripheral vision. Peripheral vision loss can be described as Tunnel Vision. Patients with RP have reported difficulties in conditions where there is low light. Loss of Night Vision is one of the key symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Driving becomes difficult in low light, fog or at dusk. Movie theaters, dark stairwells and dimly lit restaurants become obstacle courses. Although mobile or navigation difficulties arise, there is no pain or abnormal sensation within the eye area. .
While Retinitis Pigmentosa affects the peripheral vision, Age-related Macular Degeneration affects the central vision. Unlike the low light difficulties of RP, AMD is often worse under bright lighting. Activities that require sharp focusing become exceedingly difficult since the central vision is damaged. (www.nei.nih.gov.). AMD affects the Macula, which is the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. Activities such as reading, sewing, and driving become impossible or exceedingly arduous. Patients with Macular Degeneration may have blind spots, which are dark areas directly in the central domain of vision. Peripheral and night visions usually are not damaged, although color perception may be impaired. Similar to RP, AMD causes no pain within the retina.
Retinitis Pigmentosa is genetic, meaning it is passed along in a hereditary gene. The most recent studies show more than 70 different genetic defects have been recognized.