DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 60-year-old female. My ophthalmologist diagnosed me with an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

I would like a second opinion. I know this is an incurable disease and I am rapidly going blind. Any information on slowing down the disease as well as diagnosing it would be greatly appreciated. If I am able to obtain a second opinion, what tests should I have to confirm the diagnosis? Should I have genetic testing done?

DEAR READER: You have damage to the retina, an area at the back of the inner portion of the eye that converts images to nerve signals and sends them on to the brain. Generally speaking, the cells that control night vision are likely to be affected; however, in some instances, retinal cone cells are damaged more.
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