Frequently Asked Questions Beginners Help These forums are here for the use of RP'ers and their families and friends. People with other visual disabilities are welcome to join and participate as well. These diseases affect the Retina and are usually found under the general category of Retinal Degeneration. Retinitis Pigmentosa is an eye disease that affects a person's night vision and peripheral vision.
Symptoms start with decreased night vision and later progress to a diminishing of peripheral vision.
The rate of decline varies depending on the genetic makeup of the disorder and also varies somewhat in individuals. It is a genetic disorder that is usually hereditary. Usher Syndrome affects the eyesight in a manner similar to Retinitis Pigmentosa but also affects the hearing. The rate of degeneration is faster than with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in people over 55, but young people can be affected as well.