PRINTER'S NO. 2768
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
349
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY SCHLEGEL, PICKETT, JOZWIAK, KINSEY, NEILSON,
MIHALEK, DALEY AND DIAMOND, MARCH 25, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MARCH 25, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of April 2024 as "Retinal Blindness
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Retinal diseases can affect any part of the retina;
and
WHEREAS, There are multiple retinal diseases that can result
in blindness, including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP); and
WHEREAS, RP is a group of rare eye diseases that make light-
detecting cells in the retina break down over time; and
WHEREAS, RP is a genetic degenerative condition that causes
progressive vision loss and usually develops in childhood or
adolescence; and
WHEREAS, The rate of progression and degree of vision loss
varies by individual and depends on the form of the condition;
and
WHEREAS, Mutations in many different genes are known to cause
RP; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 100,000 people in the United States
suffer from RP, which makes RP the most common type of inherited
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
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
20240HR0349PN2768 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
need to increase awareness and understanding of RP and to
support early diagnosis and improved treatment of RP.
20240HR0349PN2768 - 3 -
1
2
3