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Living with RP

Retinitis pigmentosa and assistive technology

Retinitis pigmentosa, often called RP, is a group of inherited retinal diseases that cause retinal degeneration over time. It can affect night vision, peripheral vision and, for some people, central vision. Every person’s experience is different.

Noam Yahav, founder of eyesee, wearing the glasses

Noam YahavFounder & CEO

Start with the person, not only the diagnosis

Two people with the same diagnosis may experience vision very differently. The most useful support depends on the person’s remaining usable vision, the task, the lighting and the environment. A diagnosis alone cannot predict whether a particular device will be useful.

Different challenges may need different tools

  • Night blindness and low light

    Difficulty seeing in low light, often called night blindness, is one of the earliest changes many people notice. Some look for ways to use their remaining vision in dim or changing light.

  • Reduced peripheral vision

    A reduced field of view can make it difficult to take in more of a scene at one time.

  • Faces and details

    Details, expressions, objects and signs may become difficult to distinguish.

  • Reading and screens

    Print, computer screens, kiosks and television can present different contrast, glare and detail challenges.

Different kinds of assistive support

Support may include vision rehabilitation, lighting and contrast changes, optical or electronic magnification, screen readers, audio-description technology and live-image processing glasses. An eye-care or low-vision professional can help someone explore the broader range of available support.

Where fits

is a patent-pending vision-assistive smart-glasses system that processes a live view in real time for different needs, including daylight, low light, reading, screens and television. It was created by a founder who lives with retinitis pigmentosa. is not a medical device or treatment and does not correct or restore vision. Results vary.

Read Noam’s story

The honest way to know is to try

Usefulness cannot be predicted from a diagnosis. During an individual hands-on fit check, the person can explore different viewing options and settings using their own eyes and their own visual tasks.

Contact us about a fit check

Questions about RP and assistive technology

  • Are there special smart glasses for retinitis pigmentosa?

    There are different kinds of vision-assistive glasses. Some provide magnification or a processed live image, while others describe text, objects or scenes through audio. No device can be assumed to work for someone because of an RP diagnosis. Individual assessment and hands-on testing matter.

  • Can smart glasses restore vision lost to RP?

    No. Vision-assistive smart glasses do not restore or cure vision loss. They may help a person explore different ways of using remaining usable vision or receiving visual information. Results vary.

  • Can ’s usefulness be predicted from my diagnosis?

    No. Retinitis pigmentosa affects people differently, and diagnosis alone does not predict whether will be useful. The current qualification method is an individual hands-on fit check.

  • Can be relied on for driving or navigation?

    No. is not a mobility, navigation or safety device. Do not rely on it for driving, walking in traffic or any activity where an altered view could create danger.

Trusted health-information sources

For general medical information about retinitis pigmentosa:

This page provides general educational information and does not provide medical advice. is vision-assistive technology, not a medical device or treatment, and does not replace care from an eye-care professional.