Retinitis Pigmentosa - Macular Degeneration

Is AMD related to other retinal diseases?

As noted previously, Macular Degeneration is just one type of a group of retinal degenerations that are characterised by a breakdown of the photo receptor cells, leading to impaired vision. While AMD is characterised by a loss of central vision, Retinitis Pigmentosa is associated with night blindness and a progressive loss of peripheral vision leading to "tunnel" vision. These symptoms are not the same, but as researchers get closer to uncovering the causes of these conditions, there is increasing evidence that they are related. For example, it has been found that different defects of the same gene are responsible for certain forms of RP and Macular Degeneration. For more information about RP, and other rare syndromes that are also related to AMD, please contact Retina South Africa.