What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
The retina contains special cells called photoreceptors that capture light and allow us to see, especially in low light. In retinitis pigmentosa, inherited genetic mutations cause these cells to gradually break down, leading to symptoms like night blindness, tunnel vision, and sensitivity to bright light.
Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare condition, affecting about 1 in 4,000 people worldwide. As a progressive disorder, it often starts in childhood or adolescence and can lead to significant vision loss over time.
While there is currently no cure, management includes visual aids and regular monitoring to help maintain quality of life.
How Retinitis Pigmentosa impacts vision
Photoreceptors normally respond to light and support central and peripheral vision. In retinitis pigmentosa, those special cells gradually break down, leading to a difficulty with seeing in low light and a loss of peripheral vision.
Managing Retinitis Pigmentosa with the right tinted lenses
Gray
Gray lenses are like turning the brightness knob down, without changing the picture. They reduce glare evenly across the light spectrum, helping RP patients manage brightness without distorting color or contrast. This makes them a great everyday lens, especially outdoors, where light levels can shift constantly.
Red
Red tints offer a deeper level of filtration, cutting out high-energy blue light and creating a more visually restful field. For people with RP, red tints can be especially helpful during moments of extreme sensitivity or in environments where even regular indoor lighting feels like too much.
Latest trends for your lens needs
Struggling with photophobia?
Take our quick quiz to uncover the right sunglasses for you.
Are bright lights making your daily life uncomfortable? Finding relief starts with understanding what’s really affecting your vision. Take our Light Sensitivity Quiz to get personalized recommendations for the best sunglasses to protect your eyes.
