Treatable forms of retinitis pigmentosa associated with systemic neurological disorders.

In this chapter; we have described the role of nutritional supplements or selective dietary restriction (or both) on the maintenance and function of the retina and nervous system in some diseases. Oral vitamin A therapy has proven to be effective in the treatment of the common forms of retinitis pigmentosa. Bassen-Kornzweig disease can be treated with vitamin A and vitamin E and, in some cases, with vitamin K. Vitamin E therapy for Friedreich-like ataxia associated with retinitis pigmentosa has been shown to be effective in the short term. Classic Refsum's disease responds to a low phytol-low phytanic acid diet. Undoubtedly, future research will bring more insight into the biochemical pathways responsible for other diseases and, it is hoped, aid in developing treatments for additional retinal degenerations associated with systemic neurological disease.