Overview
Retinitis punctata albescens (RPA) is a rare inherited eye disease that slowly damages the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It is sometimes called 'white dot retinitis' because one of its most recognizable features is the appearance of small white or yellowish spots scattered across the retina, which can be seen during an eye exam. RPA belongs to a broader group of conditions called retinal dystrophies, and it is considered a variant of retinitis pigmentosa. The disease mainly affects the rod cells in the retina, which are responsible for seeing in dim light and for side (peripheral) vision. Over time, cone cells — which handle central vision and color — can also be affected. This means people with RPA often first notice difficulty seeing at night or in low-light settings, followed by a gradual narrowing of their field of vision. Central vision may remain relatively preserved for many years, but can eventually decline in some individuals. There is currently no cure for RPA. Treatment focuses on protecting remaining vision, managing symptoms, and supporting quality of life. Low vision aids, vitamin A supplementation (under medical supervision), and regular monitoring by a retinal specialist are the main approaches used today. Gene therapy research is ongoing and offers hope for future treatments.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night (night blindness)Gradual loss of side (peripheral) visionSlow adjustment when moving from bright to dark environmentsWhite or yellowish spots visible on the retina during eye examsReduced sensitivity to light across the visual fieldEventual narrowing of vision (tunnel vision)Possible decline in central vision in later stagesDifficulty with color vision in some casesSensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) in some individualsGradual worsening of overall vision over years to decades
Clinical phenotype terms (19)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Retinitis punctata albescens.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Retinitis punctata albescens.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which gene mutation is causing my condition, and what does that mean for how my disease might progress?,How often should I have eye exams, and what tests will be done to monitor my vision?,Are there any clinical trials for gene therapy or other new treatments that I might be eligible for?,Should other members of my family be tested for this condition?,What low vision aids or rehabilitation services do you recommend for my current level of vision?,Is vitamin A supplementation appropriate for me, and what are the risks?,What signs should prompt me to contact you sooner between scheduled appointments?
Common questions about Retinitis punctata albescens
What is Retinitis punctata albescens?
Retinitis punctata albescens (RPA) is a rare inherited eye disease that slowly damages the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It is sometimes called 'white dot retinitis' because one of its most recognizable features is the appearance of small white or yellowish spots scattered across the retina, which can be seen during an eye exam. RPA belongs to a broader group of conditions called retinal dystrophies, and it is considered a variant of retinitis pigmentosa. The disease mainly affects the rod cells in the retina, which are responsible for seeing in dim light and for
How is Retinitis punctata albescens inherited?
Retinitis punctata albescens follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Retinitis punctata albescens typically begin?
Typical onset of Retinitis punctata albescens is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Retinitis punctata albescens?
1 specialists and care centers treating Retinitis punctata albescens are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.