Photo Descriptions: The left photo shows a ridgeline trail towards a mountain’s summit in the distance. The photo on the right only shows a small portion of the original picture inside a circle. Part of the trail, part of the mountain, and a sliver of sky can be seen. Black surrounds the circle.

Please note: The picture simulating vision with Retinitis Pigmentosa is not an accurate representation of RP but shows how a limited field of vision compares to full sight. Because there are many variations of RP, everyone sees differently. Some people have tunnel vision, represented in the picture, while other people may have patches of useable vision.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of eye diseases that affect the retina. Our retina is responsible for collecting light, which it converts into signals it sends to the brain for visual recognition. In other words, the retina creates a picture from the light It collects which the brain then identifies.

There are two primary cells that make up the retina, rods and cones. Rods are located away from the center of the retina, and are responsible for our peripheral, or side vision. Rods also help us see in dim light and at night. Cones are responsible for detecting color and fine detail. Over time, RP causes these cells to die, with the rods being affected first. Because of this, the initial symptoms of RP include loss of peripheral vision and difficulty seeing in low light.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence but can also be diagnosed later in life. RP is an inherited disease, but it doesn’t require any family history. All RP requires is a genetic mutation. One of 50 genes needs to be affected in order for RP to occur.

Due to the vastness of genetic mutations of RP, each case is different. It effects individuals differently, with some losing their vision rapidly and others having stable vision for most of their life.

Do people with RP see black? No – this is something I always wondered too, when am I going to start seeing black? We see what we see. Our brain will try to fill in the rest based off what we can see and using other cues.

Please note, I am not a doctor! The information I’m providing here is based off my own research, experience, and what I’ve been told from eye doctors.