This is especially true in early cases. A dynamic test of retinal function, the ERG is a measure of the retina's electrical activity in response to light stimulation. The procedure requires a contact lens with electrodes attached. The electrodes monitor the retinal response to a series of light flashes under both light and dark conditions. Attention is directed toward low vision aids, and proper social and governmental programs for the visually-impaired.
Females only carry the X-linked gene, while males suffer from the disease.
A better known example of this pattern of inheritance is color blindness. Dominantly inherited disease is manifested in all individuals who carry the gene. Sporadic diseases are new mutations and the particular inheritance is unclear until further generations exhibit the trait. Conclusion RP, or the more appropriately named rod-cone generalized dystrophy, is a varied group of disorders characterized by hereditary retinal rod and cone degeneration. There are many other hereditary retinal degenerations that are more rare than RP and have quite different clinical findings.