Retina International

The Retina International is a non-profit, umbrella association of 34 national societies each of which is formed by people with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Usher Syndrome, Macular Degeneration and allied retinal dystrophies, their families and friends. Retina International is dedicated to promoting public awareness, stimulating research and providing information on these diseases. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one name for a large group of inherited vision disorders that causes progressive degeneration of the retina of the eyes. Usher syndrome is a rare inherited disorder primarily characterized by deafness due to an impaired ability of the auditory nerves to transmit sensory input to the brain (sensorineual hearing loss) accompanied by retinitis pigmentosa. Macular degeneration is a degenerative disease affecting the macula or center of the retina of the eye. It results in progressive loss of central vision. Occurring most often among older people, it is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 55. It is believed that both genetic and environmental factors influence this disease.