How common are inherited retinal degenerations?
Retinal degenerations affect men and women of all ages, races, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. The broad range of retinal degenerative diseases affects at least six million Americans. Approximately 100,000 people in the United States are affected by retinitis pigmentosa or Usher syndrome, which is a variation of RP that also impairs hearing. It is estimated that one of every 80 people carries a recessive gene for RP, although this does not mean they or their children will necessarily have the disease. Approximately six million Americans are diagnosed with age related macular degeneration, a disease that causes a loss of central vision. In addition, there are a number of less common forms of retinal degeneration.
