Question: My husband was recently diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. Is there anything new as far as treatment goes for this eye disease?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
There is no curative treatment for this serious inherited eye condition that leads to vision impairment or blindness. We are left with comfort measures mainly. Wearing sunglasses to protect the retina from ultraviolet light may help preserve vision. Some studies have suggested treatment with antioxidants (such as high doses of vitamin A palmitate) may slow the disease, but there is no verifiable data to support this claim. Taking high doses of vitamin A can cause serious liver problems as well as retinal toxicity. Any treatment should be physician guided for your own safety. Several clinical trials are in progress to investigate new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, including the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA. Research treatments involving microchip implants that go inside the retina and act like a microscopic video camera are in the very early stages of experimental development for treating blindness associated with this and other serious eye conditions.