Is retinitis pigmentosa still incurable? are we close to any breakthrough?

Still working on it: Although retinitis pigmentosa has no known cure, research with stem cell therapy is offering promising advances. For further information, start here: http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0002024/. Do not be fooled by centers that offer cures at this point.

Work in progress: Retinitis pigmentosa (rp) is a retinal degeneration caused by a malfunction in the photoreceptor cells in the retina. Doctors are now beginning to identify the genetic source of the malfunction. Gene therapy is already being given to patients with other forms of retinal degeneration. Gene therapy for rp is being studied but is not ready for use. Stay tuned!

Treatments are close: Yes retinitis pigmentosa (rp) is incurable for now. However clinical trials involving stem cells and rp are underway. The one i know of is at ucla/jules stein institute where advanced cell technology is working with dr. Steven schwartz on stem cell treatment for both dry macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The results should be know on initial patients by the end of the year.

Retinal Chip: Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that cause degeneration of the retina and vision loss. Depending on the type, some vision can be retained throughout life, in other cases, not. The most common symptoms are night blindness and gradual loss of peripheral vision. There is a new retinal implant which restores crude central vision( argus ii) for those who are blind from rp.