Retinitis pigmentosa is an hereditary condition in which various elements of your retina degenerate. Pigmented scars appear in damaged areas of the retina—hence the name of the disease. Symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa usually begin in childhood with difficulty seeing in dim illumination such as in a dark room or at night.

The disease affects peripheral vision first. Some persons retain useful central vision for many years, and sometimes through their entire lives. Fortunately, the course of retinitis pigmentosa usually is very slow, and not all patients with this disease become blind. At present there is no curative treatment, but some patients may be helped by mechanical and electronic aids.