29th December 2023

Clinical features

Symptoms of RP include nyctalopia (difficulty seeing at night) and progressive reduction in peripheral visual field. Tunnel vision develops as the condition progresses.

The classic triad includes pigmentary retinopathy, arteriolar attenuation, and optic disc pallor. The characteristic pigmentary changes may appear as hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation (bony spicule and pigment clumping) and typically occur in the mid-peripheral fundus, where rod cells predominate.

Up to 30% of patients with RP develop cystoid macular oedema. Posterior subcapsular cataracts are also common. RP is also associated with myopia, astigmatism, and optic disc drusen.