Which symptom progression is associated with retinitis pigmentosa?

• A. Flashes of light only
• B. Sudden central vision loss
• C. Peripheral vision loss
• D. Acute ocular pain

Answer: (C)

Retinitis pigmentosa typically starts with degeneration of the rod cells in the peripheral retina, so the characteristic symptom progression is loss of peripheral vision that advances over time while central vision stays relatively good until late. Patients often notice night blindness first, then a narrowing of the visual field—producing tunnel vision as the disease progresses. This peripheral-to-central pattern is the hallmark of RP. Flashes of light can occur with retinal dysfunction, but sudden central vision loss or acute eye pain point to other conditions and do not describe RP’s usual course.