Retinitis Pigmentosa can be caused by a failure of the Rod cells, the Cone cells or in some cases, a failure of another part of the Retina. The Retina is very complex and breakdown may occur in one of a variety of ways. It is for this reason that RP must be thought of as a group of disorders, all with similar symptoms. Breakdown of the Cone cells, which are located in the central region, the Macula, is sometimes referred to as Macular Degeneration. Other disorders similar to RP have names like Gyrate Atrophy, Choroideremia, etc. The common feature is a degeneration of the Retina for one reason or another. Research into the causes of the various forms of RP is progressing well and many of the Genes responsible for the various forms of the disorder have now been located.
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