Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive disorder that results from the degeneration of the rods and cones in the retina. As the rods and cones degenerate, gradual vision loss occurs.
The disease often first occurs in adolescence and continues to progress as the individual ages. Often RP results in blindness in young adults.
In cases where the rod cells are primarily affected, vision loss generally begins as night blindness and progressive vision loss in the periphery results in tunnel vision (Foundation for Fighting Blindness (FFB), 2003).
Another form of RP, known as rod-cone dystrophy is associated with loss of central vision and color perception.
RP is a genetic disorder. RP is caused by a group of hereditary disorders that include Usher’s syndrome, Leber’s congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, Laurence-Moon syndrome, and Best syndrome. There is no known cure for RP, although Vitamin A is said to slightly slow progression.
Rehabilitation Services
Loss of common daily activities such as the inability to drive safely, to read regular print or to watch T.V. can have a horrendous effect on one's life that can lead to job loss or isolation. But low vision rehabilitation is available to help a person preserve her/his quality of life and maintain maximum independence.
There are strategies and various devices that can assist a person in gaining the life style s/he enjoyed prior to vision loss. These include such things as:
- Strategies such as changing the lighting at home or at your job to maximize the vision you have; using color contrasts (e.g. dark table cloth with light dishes); simple labeling techniques (e.g. rubber band around the conditioner, none on shampoo)
- Optical aides such as magnifiers, telescopes, microscopes, electronic magnifiers, and prisms.
- High tech aides such Closed Caption T.V. (CCTV) or reading machines
- Non optical aides such as large print, audio tapes, signature guides
- Computer technology such as special screen magnification devices such as Zoom Text or Magic
The list of strategies and devices are endless. A good website to provide you with low vision resources is the Low Vision Information Center.
If you live in Florida and have vision loss that is causing you problems, you might benefit from one or more of our various programs. These include:
Braille and Talking Book Library Services
The Florida Division of Blind Services provides information and reading materials needed by individuals residing in Florida who are unable to use standard print as the result of visual, physical, or reading disabilities. These services are provided through its Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services.
Services to Adults Who Are Faced With Vision Loss and Want to Live Independently
Independent living services are provided to enable individuals who are blind and severely visually impaired to live more independently in their homes and communities with the maximum degree of self-direction. Successful outcomes enable individuals to live more independently in their community and/or transition to the world of work.
Services to Individuals Seeking Employment
Vocational rehabilitation services are provided to assist individuals who have a bilateral visual impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and need services to prepare for, enter or engage in or retain gainful employment. Successful outcomes lead to achievement of employment goals.