In their recent article, Xiao et al. report five cases of sector retinitis pigmentosa (RP) owing to three distinct missense mutations in the rhodopsin (RHO) gene in unrelated Chinese probands [1]. Two of these pathogenic mutations (p.T17M and p.G106A) have been described previously whilst the third (p.L31Q) is novel. Recognition of cases of sector RP is important as this phenotype has potential implications for patient management which we wish to highlight.

Although clinical trial data in support of light restriction or filtration as a treatment strategy for sector RP is lacking, we feel it appropriate to counsel patients with this phenotype on the importance of avoiding retinal exposure to bright light wherever possible. We typically recommend that such individuals wear highly attenuating sunglasses or red-tinted spectacles when outdoors in high luminance light conditions. We also avoid serial blue autofluorescence imaging in patients with sector RP for whom the intense short-wavelength light involved in its acquisition might be retinotoxic.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD