Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This condition primarily affects the photoreceptor cells, known as rods and cones, leading to vision loss over time. Symptoms often begin with difficulty seeing in low light and peripheral vision loss, eventually resulting in tunnel vision or blindness. The condition is inherited in various patterns, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked forms. While there is currently no cure, research is ongoing to explore potential treatments, including gene therapy and retinal implants, to help manage the effects of retinitis pigmentosa.