Retinitis

Retinitis is a disease that causes progressive damage to the retina, the part of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including decreased vision, night blindness, and loss of peripheral vision. Retinitis is often caused by a genetic disorder and can occur at any age.

Causes

Retinitis is usually caused by a genetic disorder. The most common types of retinitis are Retinitis Pigmentosa and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis. Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of genetic disorders that affect the retina's ability to respond to light, while Cytomegalovirus Retinitis is a serious infection of the retina that often affects people with AIDS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of retinitis can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Decreased central vision
• Distorted vision
• Loss of color perception

Diagnosis

Retinitis is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. The exam may include a visual field test to measure peripheral vision and an electroretinogram to measure the electrical activity of the retina. Genetic testing may also be used to identify the specific gene mutation causing the disease.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for retinitis. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms. This may include vitamin A supplementation, use of low-vision aids, and, in some cases, surgery or drug therapy.

See also

• Retina
• Retinal diseases
• Genetic disorders
• Vision loss

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