Retina Center of OklahomaRetinitis pigmentosa
For a nice explanation of Retinitis Pigmentosa, please click here, courtesy of Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Patients always ask if anything can be done to slow down the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. Taking high dose vitamin A and a special omega three fatty acid called DHA may help slow the progression. However, this treatment needs monitoring with an internist and has potential side effects. For more information on vitamin A supplementation for retinitis pigmentosa, please click here. Patients with a significant smoking history should not take vitamin A as it may increase the risk of lung cancer.
Patients often ask if clinical trials are available for retinitis pigmentosa. Currently, one of the most promising therapies for retinitis pigmentosa is the CNTF implant. This implant is a tiny pellet that is sewn into the eye and releases a special medicine. A small ten person clinical trial was performed which showed some potential benefit. Currently, the company that makes this implant, Neurotech, is conducting additional clinical trials. I encourage you to track these clinical trials at Neurotech's special clinical trials website.
More information:
Scientific article on Retinitis Pigmentosa prognosis