Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited eye disorders characterized by progressive peripheral vision loss and night vision difficulties. Recent findings indicate that molecular defects in at least 100 genes are involved in the genesis of Retinitis Pigmentosa, with the end result being gradual photoreceptor (light responsive) cell die-off.

Here in the US about 1 in 4000 people develop Retinitis Pigmentosa with the highest reported frequency of occurrence being the Navajo Indians at 1 in 1878.

At the present time Retinitis Pigmentosa is incurable although its progression can be slowed considerably by the daily intake of 15000 IUs of vitamin A palmitate. A number of recent studies have revealed that proper vitamin A supplementation can postpone blindness by up to a decade.

Also, many animal studies such as this one involving use of bone marrow derived stem cells, plus a number of human case histories indicate that the use of adult stem cells can confer benefits on RP sufferers.

In its work with various highly reputable stem cell clinics in Mexico, StemCellMD.org has documented clinically significant improvements in at least one Retinitis Pigmentosa patient who was treated with a catheter infusion of pure cord blood derived stem cells (These were infused into blood vessels feeding his ophthalmic artery). This gentleman, who serves as Dean of Students at a major Mexican university, was virtually blind when treated during March 2006 but within three months’ time was seeing light again. A second treatment done a few years later gave him additional visual gains. You can learn more about this treatment approach and the clinic in Mexico that administered it by calling 1-800-300-1063 (8 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. If you call before or after business hours, please leave a message and someone on Dr. Steenblock’s staff will get back to you as soon as possible) or contacting us here.