Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a rare genetic eye disease that causes progressive vision loss. RP causes the light-sensing cells in the retina to break down over time, leading to vision loss. Symptoms include difficulty seeing at night or in low light,  loss of peripheral vision, also known as tunnel vision, sensitivity to bright light, and loss of color vision. RP is a chronic condition that progresses over years or decades. Many people with RP are legally blind by age 40. RP is usually caused by changes in the genes that control cells in the retina. These changes can be passed down from parents to children. Other causes include some medicines, infections, and eye injuries. At this time, there is no cure for RP, but medications can help treat some complications. A medical professional can diagnose RP and manage the condition to improve symptoms.