Understanding retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders in which photoreceptors gradually degenerate, leading to night-blindness, loss of peripheral vision, and in some cases reduced central vision over time.
RP has long been considered a condition with limited treatment options. At Beijing Puhua International Hospital, Prof. Yang Chunhua has developed a surgical approach focused on the choroidal microcirculation — the blood supply that nourishes the outer retina — as a way to support surviving photoreceptors and slow disease progression in carefully selected patients.
This treatment is not a cure for RP. Its stated goal is to help eligible early-to-mid-stage patients maintain or stabilize their visual field over the long term, in combination with medication, traditional Chinese medicine support, and structured follow-up.
Results vary by individual · This is not a cure · Suitability requires specialist evaluation
The treatment approach
The approach is based on a measurable physiological observation and a surgical technique designed to address it — presented here for patient education, not as a guaranteed outcome.
The "Choroidal Hunger" Observation
In clinical observations reported by the surgical team, choroidal vessels in RP patients have been found to be narrower (~36%), blood flow velocity slower (~44%), and total choroidal blood volume reduced (~76%) compared with unaffected individuals. The outer retina may exist in a state of chronic relative ischemia, which has been associated with accelerated photoreceptor cell loss. These figures are the team's reported observations, not universal population statistics.
Modified Extraocular Muscle Implantation
Building on the original Agarwal technique and integrated with traditional Chinese medicine theory, a modified extraocular muscle implantation is performed to create a new collateral circulation pathway around the choroid, with the aim of improving peri-retinal microcirculation and supporting surviving photoreceptors.
Long-Term Integrated Management
Following surgery, patients receive medication, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, and structured long-term follow-up. The core objective is to control and improve symptoms and slow progression. Results vary by individual and require specialist assessment; no outcome is guaranteed.
Note: This is a simplified educational explanation of the treatment rationale. RP is a progressive inherited disease; surgery is considered for patients evaluated as early-to-mid-stage candidates. Visual field testing devices and formats differ across time points, and all data on this page are provided for reference only and do not constitute a treatment guarantee.
Your specialist: Prof. Yang Chunhua
Ophthalmologist · Retinitis Pigmentosa Surgery Specialist
Prof. Yang has been engaged in ophthalmology since 1982, with more than 40 years of clinical practice focused on retinitis pigmentosa. In 2000, together with collaborators, she participated in verifying the clinical efficacy of the extraocular muscle implantation technique and helped establish a dedicated RP treatment center.
She graduated from the Medical School of Southeast University, and has served as a board member of the Chinese Clinical Medical Association, a board member of the former Railway Medical Association, and a member of the China Women Doctors Association. She has published a number of papers in peer-reviewed Chinese ophthalmology journals.
Reported experience in the treatment presentation includes:
- 40+ years — Ophthalmology clinical practice.
- 7,400+ — RP-related procedures performed.
- 195+ — Patients with documented follow-up.
- 319+ — International (Japan) follow-up cases.
- 9 papers — Published in ophthalmology journals.
- 2000 — Clinical efficacy verification and center establishment.
Individual patient follow-up
The following are individual patient cases from the surgeon's personal long-term follow-up records — not clinical trial results or average outcomes. Values are taken directly from visual field reports. They are examples, not guaranteed results.
Patient Li (anonymized)
20-year follow-up · 2003 → 2024
| Time point | Reported measurement |
|---|---|
| Before surgery (age 8) | 0 dB · Mean sensitivity · both eyes |
| 20 years post-op (age 28) | 2 dB · Mean sensitivity · both eyes |
Visual field remained stable over 20 years without noticeable further deterioration. Total sensitivity readings: 1,130 → 910 (left) and 1,160 → 906 (right).
Patient Guo (anonymized)
10-year follow-up · 2007 → 2017
| Time point | Reported measurement |
|---|---|
| Before surgery (age 17) | 411 · Total sensitivity · mean both eyes |
| 10 years post-op (age 26) | 642 · Total sensitivity · mean both eyes |
Visual field sensitivity improved and scotoma count decreased over 10 years. Scotoma count: 13 before → 10 after.
Patient Mitsuru (Japan)
7-month follow-up · 2008
| Time point | Reported measurement |
|---|---|
| Before surgery (age 60) | 393 · Total sensitivity · mean both eyes |
| 7 months post-op | 925 · Total sensitivity · mean both eyes |
Short-term follow-up showed noticeable improvement in sensitivity. Scotoma count: 12 before → 4 after (right eye: 0).
Patient Liang (anonymized)
23-year follow-up · 2001 → 2024
| Time point | Reported measurement |
|---|---|
| Before surgery (age 22) | 2 dB · Mean sensitivity · both eyes |
| 23 years post-op (age 45) | Stable · Long-term visual field |
Visual field remained stable over 23 years. Post-op report values: 252 / 232 (left / right), measured on a different perimeter device and format; not directly comparable to pre-op readings.
These are individual cases from the surgeon's personal follow-up records. Patient names have been anonymized. RP is a progressive inherited disease; outcomes vary by individual, and no particular visual field result is guaranteed. Different visual field devices and reporting formats were used across years. These data do not replace a personal medical evaluation.
Media coverage
Selected Chinese-language media reports covering the condition, the treatment approach, and Prof. Yang's clinical work.
People's Daily Health Client
Interview · "Can Retinitis Pigmentosa Be Treated?"
A systematic explanation of RP pathogenesis, the role of choroidal microcirculation, and the boundaries of current treatment, citing the reported vascular and blood-flow observations.
April 2026 · Media interview
Beijing News
Report · Clinical observations in RP care
Coverage of long-term follow-up cases and quality-of-life considerations for patients after surgery.
June 2025
China News Health · Huanqiu
Report · Patient education on RP
Public-facing science communication about retinitis pigmentosa and available care pathways.
June 2025
Chaoxing News
Report · "RP Is Not the Same as Blindness: Avoid Common Misconceptions"
Addressing public misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of specialist evaluation and standardized care.
April 2026
China.com.cn
Report · "Prof. Yang's Team: Four Decades of Clinical Exploration"
A profile of the team's long-term clinical experience and whole-cycle management approach.
August 2026
Common questions about RP surgery
Is retinitis pigmentosa (RP) curable?
No. At present, there is no known cure for retinitis pigmentosa. The surgical approach described on this page aims to stabilize and slow progression in carefully selected early-to-mid-stage patients. It is not a cure, and visual outcomes vary by individual.
Who is a suitable candidate for this surgery?
Candidates are typically patients in the early-to-mid stage of RP, with measurable remaining visual field and no other uncontrolled eye conditions. Suitability can only be determined after a full ophthalmologic evaluation, including visual field testing, OCT, and choroidal imaging. Patients with very advanced or end-stage RP are generally not considered suitable.
What is extraocular muscle implantation for RP?
It is a surgical technique that creates a collateral circulation pathway around the choroid, based on the hypothesis that improving choroidal microcirculation may better support surviving photoreceptors. It was originally described by Agarwal and has been modified by Prof. Yang's team with integrated traditional Chinese medicine principles.
What is the recovery process like?
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis. Most patients resume normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Post-operative care includes eye drops, regular follow-up visits, medication, and in some cases traditional Chinese medicine conditioning. Long-term monitoring with a local ophthalmologist is recommended.
Will my vision improve after surgery?
The primary stated goal is stabilization and slowing of progression, not improvement. Some patients report stable or slightly improved visual field over follow-up, while others continue to progress. The individual cases shown on this page are examples from the surgeon's personal records and do not represent expected or guaranteed results.
How do international patients arrange treatment?
Our international patient team provides end-to-end coordination: initial remote consultation, document review, visa invitation, airport pickup, hospital admission, translation, accommodation, and post-treatment follow-up support. Please contact us with your medical records and visual field reports for an individual suitability assessment and cost estimate.