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Sector retinitis is a regional form of retinitis pigmentosa where retinal degeneration affects a limited area instead of the entire retina. The affected region is often in the inferior retina, though other patterns can occur. Symptoms can be mild because a large portion of the retina remains functional. Many cases are inherited and can affect both eyes in a similar pattern.
read more about sector retinitis ...Sector retinitis is most often linked with inherited gene variants associated with retinitis pigmentosa, including variants in the rhodopsin (RHO) gene in some families. Inheritance patterns vary, with autosomal dominant inheritance reported in multiple pedigrees. Symmetry between eyes can help separate inherited sector disease from acquired pigment changes after trauma, inflammation, or vascular injury. Family history can be absent when a variant is new in a family or when symptoms are mild. Genetic testing can help confirm the diagnosis and support counseling.
Symptoms often relate to the affected region and can include mild night vision difficulty or trouble in low-light settings. A localized peripheral field defect can occur, sometimes noticed as missing areas in side vision. Central vision can remain good for a long time when the macula is not involved. Some people remain symptom-free and learn about the condition after a routine dilated exam. Glare sensitivity or slower dark adaptation can also occur in some cases.
Diagnosis starts with a dilated retinal exam that looks for regional bone-spicule pigmentation, chorioretinal atrophy, and vessel attenuation in a sector distribution. Visual field testing maps the location and depth of field loss. OCT imaging can show outer retinal layer changes and can check macular involvement. Fundus autofluorescence can highlight stressed retinal tissue outside visible pigment changes. Electroretinography and genetic testing can support classification when the pattern is unclear.
No cure exists for sector retinitis, so care focuses on monitoring and managing complications. Regular follow-up can track changes in fields, OCT findings, and symptom changes over time. Treatment is directed at complications such as cataract or cystoid macular edema when present, using standard retinal care approaches. Low-vision support can help with lighting, contrast, and task strategies when night or field issues affect daily life. A retina specialist can also guide genetic counseling and family screening discussions.
Yes. Sector retinitis is commonly described as sector retinitis pigmentosa, a regional form of retinitis pigmentosa. The difference is that degeneration is limited to a region instead of being diffuse. A retina specialist can confirm the pattern on exam and imaging.
Progression varies. Some cases remain stable for long periods, while other cases slowly expand beyond the initial sector. Follow-up testing helps track change and guide planning.
Yes. Many inherited cases affect both eyes in a similar distribution, often with symmetry between eyes. Acquired causes of sector pigment changes are more likely to look uneven between eyes. An exam helps separate these patterns.
Sector Retinitis Pigmentosa (Sectoral Retinitis Pigmentosa). EyeRounds (University of Iowa). https://eyerounds.org/atlas/pages/Sector-Retinitis-Pigmentosa.htm. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Retinitis Pigmentosa. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Retinitis pigmentosa. MedlinePlus Genetics. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/retinitis-pigmentosa/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
RHO gene. MedlinePlus Genetics. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/rho/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Sector retinitis pigmentosa. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10486450/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.