Retinitis pigmentosa

A group of inherited genetic disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina, typically beginning with loss of night vision and peripheral vision and gradually narrowing the visual field (tunnel vision) over years or decades. Some people with RP eventually lose most or all of their sight. It affects approximately 1 in 4,000 people worldwide and is one of the most common inherited causes of blindness. For accessibility, people with RP experience an evolving set of challenges as their visual field narrows — they may retain central visual acuity for reading but struggle with navigation, obstacle detection, and content that extends beyond their remaining field of view. Assistive technologies such as screen magnifiers, field expansion devices, and high-contrast interfaces can help at different stages of the condition.