Others found evidence in animal models that natural molecules known as survival factors could protect eye cells from death. A better understanding of how supplements of special proteins may slow down the disease. The testing of transplantation techniques to repair damaged eye cells in humans. Those with healthy vision can read the words on this page due to cells called rods and cones that nestle in the retina, which lines the back of the eyeball. Both cell types detect light rays from an object and convert them into electrical signals which are relayed to the brain.
Rods are sensitive to dim light, while cones work in bright light.
With RP, first the rods deteriorate, which causes the field of vision to narrow and makes it difficult to see at night. Later the cones breakdown. Sight becomes blurry and eventually nonexistent. Researchers, however, are building on earlier studies to find ways to counter the disease. For example, some are examining the advantages of using special transport systems to deliver genetic material into the eye.