eye disease; and
WHEREAS, One of the earliest signs of RP is night blindness,
which is often followed by loss of peripheral vision; and
WHEREAS, Other symptoms can include loss of central vision,
loss of color perception and sensitivity to bright light; and
WHEREAS, Severe cases of RP can lead to legal or complete
blindness; and
WHEREAS, Though uncommon, RP can occur as part of other
conditions, including Usher syndrome and Bardet-Biedl syndrome;
and
WHEREAS, Regular eye exams are important to detect and
monitor early symptoms of RP; and
WHEREAS, Due to the variety of genetic mutations associated
with RP, there is no single treatment for the disease; and
WHEREAS, Genetic testing can help with attaining an accurate
diagnosis by determining the exact mutation causing RP; and
WHEREAS, An individual with an accurate diagnosis is in a
better position to understand which emerging treatment options
may be appropriate for the individual's condition; and
WHEREAS, Some medications and supplements can be useful in
treating certain forms of RP; and
WHEREAS, Low vision aids and rehabilitation programs can
improve visual performance and help people living with RP learn
to manage their condition; and
WHEREAS, Researchers are studying new gene therapies,
medications and treatments to prevent and reverse vision loss
caused by different forms of RP; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of April 2024 as "Retinal Blindness Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
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