People with Retinitis Pigmentosa are more prone to which two issues that can affect vision?

• A. Cataracts and retinal swelling
• B. Glaucoma and optic neuritis
• C. Diabetic retinopathy and macular hole
• D. Keratoconus and blepharitis

Answer: (A)

Retinitis pigmentosa changes the retina in ways that go beyond the progressive loss of peripheral vision. Two common, vision-limiting complications that frequently accompany RP are cataracts and cystoid macular edema (retinal swelling in the macula). Cataracts, particularly posterior subcapsular ones, clouds the lens and reduces overall clarity, which can substantially lower visual acuity. Cystoid macular edema leads to fluid buildup in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision, causing distortion or blurring of central vision. Together, these conditions directly impact vision and are well-recognized associations with RP, making them the most likely two issues to affect vision in these patients.

Other listed conditions aren’t as characteristically linked to retinitis pigmentosa. Glaucoma and optic neuritis can occur in various contexts but are not hallmark complications of RP. Diabetic retinopathy and macular holes relate to systemic diabetes or specific retinal changes but aren’t inherent risks of RP. Keratoconus and blepharitis are anterior-segment or eyelid issues, not retinal degeneration–related problems.