pigmentepithelstörungen

Pigmentepithelstörungen refers to a group of conditions affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE is a critical layer of cells located behind the retina, responsible for nourishing photoreceptor cells, absorbing scattered light, and clearing waste products. When the RPE is compromised, it can lead to a variety of visual impairments.

These disorders can arise from genetic factors, environmental influences, or age-related changes. Symptoms often include gradual vision loss, distorted vision (metamorphopsia), and difficulty seeing in low light. The central vision is typically affected, impacting reading and recognizing faces. In some cases, peripheral vision may also be compromised.

Several specific conditions fall under the umbrella of pigmentepithelstörungen. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prominent example, particularly the dry and wet forms, where RPE dysfunction plays a central role in the degeneration of the macula. Other conditions include inherited retinal dystrophies like retinitis pigmentosa, which, while primarily affecting photoreceptors, also involves significant RPE pathology. Choroideremia and Best disease are further examples of genetic disorders impacting the RPE.

Diagnosis usually involves a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests, ophthalmoscopy, and specialized imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to assess the structure and function of the RPE and surrounding retinal layers. Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific disorder and its stage, ranging from monitoring for early AMD to photodynamic therapy for wet AMD, or gene therapy and nutritional supplements in some hereditary conditions. Research is ongoing to develop more effective treatments.