Diagnosis+and+Treatment+RP

Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Symptoms: Note: Obtained from Medline Plus
 * Decreased vision in low light
 * Loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision)[[image:prescottgenomics/1024px-Fundus_of_patient_with_retinitis_pigmentosa,_mid_stage.jpg width="278" height="178" align="right" caption="Free to Use and share from: Wikipedia; picture of fundus with retinal atrophy, pigment deposits, and attenuated retinal vessels "]]
 * Loss of central vision if it has progressed to advanced stages

Tests to Diagnose: Note: List was obtained form New York Time Health Guide
 * Color vision test
 * retinal examination using ophthalmoscopy after pupils have been dilated
 * [|Fluorescein angiography]
 * [|Intraocular pressure]
 * measure electrical activity in retina
 * pupil reflex response
 * [|Refraction test]
 * [|Retinal photography]
 * peripheral vision test
 * [|Slit lamp examination]
 * [|Visual acuity]

Treatments: As of right now, there are not any treatments that directly treat the disease. It is said that vitamin A is beneficial because it used to make the chromophore 11-cis-retinol, but the liver wouldn't be able to handle amounts that would be considered beneficial in this case. There are however retinal replacements that are being developed. The newest one is called Argus II. There was an Argus I as well, but the Argus II was the first approved by the FDA. Argus II is a retina implant. A array of electrodes is implanted behind the eye where the retina is. A pair of glasses with a video camera installed captures the images and a small video processing unit sends them wirelessly to the implant. The implant receives the signal and creates the required electrical impulses. The impulses are sent through the electrode to the cells on the retina to help the brain create an image. Since this is the first device of its kind the imaging isn't amazing, but it is most certainly great for helping people live their life. Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD, the developer, was interview by //Retina Times// and explained that it allows the user to differentiate light and dark. He also said it helps with large objects such as windows and doors and it helps with viewing the orientation of a person. It was also mentioned that software and external hardware upgrades would possibly be coming in the future, but they also would have to gain approval from the FDA. Altogether the artificial retina is a huge step in helping those infected with RP and there is much more to come.

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