In most cases the answer is yes, although this may not always be apparent. The most common form of inheritance is called recessive in which both parents carry the gene which causes RP. They themselves are unaffected but there is a 1 in 4 chance that their children will have RP. It is important to understand that this does NOT mean 1 out of 4 children will be affected. With EACH child the chances are 1 in 4.
Another form of RP inheritance is X inked, in which the female carries the gene causing RP. If she marries a normal male, there is a 50% chance that their sons will be affected and a 50% chance their daughters will be carriers. When an affected male marries a normal female, all their daughters will be carriers and all their sons will be unaffected. In X linked RP, tests are now possible to detect carriers.
The third pattern of inheritance is Autosomal Dominant RP. This occurs in every generation of a family but does not necessarily affect every member. There is a 1 in 2 chance that an RP sufferer will pass RP to a child of either sex. This subject is explained in detail in the BRPS booklet 'Genetics and RP', obtainable from the BRPS office.
<< Back to Previous Page