Natural treatments for retinitis pigmentosa
Natural treatments for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompass various dietary supplements and therapies aimed at managing the symptoms of this inherited eye disease, which leads to progressive vision loss. Although no natural treatments have been definitively proven to halt or reverse RP, some approaches have shown potential benefits. Lutein, an antioxidant found in the retina, has been linked to improvements in visual field and possibly visual acuity in small studies. Similarly, high doses of vitamin A may slightly slow disease progression, but the benefits are modest and require careful consideration due to potential risks.
Other natural options under investigation include the combination of lutein with vitamin A, which has demonstrated a modest effect on slowing mid-peripheral visual loss. Additional compounds like taurine, diltiazem, and zinc have been suggested, while results regarding bilberries and their role in preserving dark adaptation have also been noted. Complementary therapies such as light therapy and acupuncture are being explored but lack robust scientific backing. Importantly, caution is advised with certain supplements, like high-dose vitamin E, which may exacerbate retinal damage. Overall, more research is necessary to substantiate the efficacy of these natural treatments for retinitis pigmentosa.
Natural treatments for retinitis pigmentosa
Definition: Treatment of a progressive eye disease that leads to impaired night vision and decreased peripheral vision or decreased central and color vision.
Principal proposed natural treatments: None
Other proposed natural treatments: Docosahexaenoic acid (a component of fish oil), lutein, vitamin A
Herbs and supplements to use with caution: Vitamin E
Introduction
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited eye diseases that can lead to severe visual problems. This disorder is named for the irregular clumps of black pigment that occur in the retina.
In most forms of retinitis pigmentosa, cells in the retina called rods die. This leads to impaired night vision and decreased ability to see things to the side while looking ahead (peripheral vision). In some forms of RP, other retinal cells called cones die. This leads to a decrease in central and color vision. In all forms of RP, vision loss usually progresses with time. Loss of vision is usually first noted in childhood or early adulthood. Conventional medicine for retinitis pigmentosa is largely limited to vision aids.
Proposed Natural Treatments
No natural treatments have been proven scientifically effective for retinitis pigmentosa, but some approaches have shown some promise. The substance lutein is an antioxidant that occurs in the retina. In a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, thirty-four adults with retinitis pigmentosa were given either placebo or lutein (ten milligrams [mg] per day for twelve weeks followed by thirty mg per day for twenty-four weeks). After this period, each group was switched to the opposite treatment and was followed for another twenty-four weeks. The results indicated that lutein supplementation improved visual field compared with placebo and also possibly improved visual acuity. However, a larger study is needed to verify whether these results are meaningful.
A large (more than six hundred-participant), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found evidence that the use of vitamin A supplements at a potentially dangerous dose of 15,000 international units (IU) daily might slightly slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. However, the benefits seen in the four-to-six-year study period were modest at best. A subsequent study by the same researchers evaluated whether adding 1,200 mg daily of docosahexaenoic acid (a component of fish oil) with vitamin A produced better results. The results of this trial were largely negative. However, in another trial involving 225 adults, adding lutein (twelve mg per day) to vitamin A for four years modestly slowed the rate of visual loss in the mid-peripheral field.
There have been several other proposed natural treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, though more study is needed to determine their effectiveness. Taurine, diltiazem, and Vitamin E, taken together, slowed vision reduction in one study. Another study showed bilberries slowed the loss of dark adaptation related to retinitis pigmentosa. Zinc supplementation has also been recommended. Other proposed natural treatments include light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and acupuncture. The FDA approved one gene therapy product to aid in treating retinitis pigmentosa but also encouraged additional studies to discover more treatment options.
Herbs and Supplements to Use with Caution
In the large vitamin A study noted, some participants were given vitamin E at a dose of 400 IU daily. The results indicated that the use of vitamin E at this dosage might actually speed retinal damage rather than slow it. (The daily requirement for vitamin E is far lower than this: 33 IU daily for most adults.) Until these results are clarified, people with retinitis pigmentosa should avoid taking high dosages of vitamin E.
Bibliography
Bahrami, H., M. Melia, and G. Dagnelie. “Lutein Supplementation in Retinitis Pigmentosa: PC-Based Vision Assessment in a Randomized Double-Masked Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” BMC Ophthalmology 6 (2006): 23.
Berson, E. L., B. Rosner, and M. A. Sandberg. “Clinical Trial of Lutein in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A.” Archives of Ophthalmology 128 (2010): 403-411.
Berson, E. L., B. Rosner, and M. A. Sandberg, et al. “A Randomized Trial of Vitamin A and Vitamin E Supplementation for Retinitis Pigmentosa.” Archives of Ophthalmology 111 (1993): 761-772.
“Natural Medicine Causes & Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa.” Carahealth, www.carahealth.com/health-articles/immune-food-allergy-infection/natural-medicine-causes-treatment-of-retinitis-pigmentosa. Accessed 25 Aug. 2023.
“Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 4 May 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17429-retinitis-pigmentosa. Accessed 25 Aug. 2023.
‗‗‗‗‗‗‗. “Clinical Trial of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A Treatment.” Archives of Ophthalmology 122 (2004): 1297-1305.