Which photoreceptors are affected first in retinitis pigmentosa (RP)?

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Multiple Choice

Which photoreceptors are affected first in retinitis pigmentosa (RP)?

Explanation:
Rods are affected first in retinitis pigmentosa. This hereditary dystrophy starts in the peripheral retina where rods are concentrated, so the earliest problems are night vision and a narrowing visual field. As rod death progresses, peripheral vision recedes while central vision remains relatively intact because cones are still functioning. Cone involvement tends to come later, which is why central acuity is preserved early on. Cone dystrophy would present with early central vision and color issues due to primary cone impairment, not the initial night blindness seen in RP. The idea of both being affected early doesn’t describe the usual onset pattern of RP.

Rods are affected first in retinitis pigmentosa. This hereditary dystrophy starts in the peripheral retina where rods are concentrated, so the earliest problems are night vision and a narrowing visual field. As rod death progresses, peripheral vision recedes while central vision remains relatively intact because cones are still functioning. Cone involvement tends to come later, which is why central acuity is preserved early on. Cone dystrophy would present with early central vision and color issues due to primary cone impairment, not the initial night blindness seen in RP. The idea of both being affected early doesn’t describe the usual onset pattern of RP.

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