When was retinitis pigmentosa discovered?

Late 1800s: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited degeneration of the retina has been around since ancient times. The actual [pathology could not be observed until the ophthalmoscope was discovered in the mid 1800s.. The appearance of the retina reminded early observers of infectious, usually syphylitic retinopathy. So it was name RP. Now we know it is not infected, but inherited.

In error: The original disease was described in europe due to the profound visual loss. The scattering of pigment reminded the eyedocs of pigment seen in syphilitic retinal disease, and so it was called "retinitis" indicating an inflammatory, possibly infectious origin. Only later was it found to be hereditary with many forms and progressions.