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more extreme version of tunnel vision. ���The eye is like a camera, and the retina is like the ��lm,��� Dr. Rose explained. Whatever the eye is looking at gets ��ltered through to the retina, which interprets the image through two types of cells, aptly named rods and cones. Rods identify black and white shades and are essential for night vision. Cones identify colors and are essential for day vision. RP ��rst attacks the rods, which is why people who develop the condition notice their night vision deteriorating ��rst. Dr. Rose pointed out, however, that a person���s sight can still be great in the macula (center) of the eye, even 20/20, but that small circle of center vision is all they have to work with. Ty still has great back and center vision. He could even legally drive under the State of Indiana���s driving guidelines, but specialists have advised him not to for Samantha Mayberry was ��rst diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2001. his own safety. Samantha says she still has pretty clear vision on a bright, began when they noticed her right eye turning inward sunny day but dim lighting continues to be her nemesis. when she was only 2. Its possible that Ty, 18, has also been dealing with his ret- ���It���s di��erent, in dim light,��� she said. Other light-centric phenomena like rainbows and stars initis pigmentosa since a very young age as well, but if so, he doesn���t recall it ever bothering him until he was 16. The also elude her sight. They both have trouble seeing the Henryville High School senior was diagnosed with the dis- board at school, and occasionally even something written ease in the summer of 2011. His world was not shattered, on a piece of paper right in front of them. But Samantha but with the diagnosis came a realization that things were said the worst part about living with RP was losing the changing. ���I honestly didn���t know what to think, I was ability to drive. ���I���ll never be able to drive,��� Samantha said, ���that���s kind nervous,��� Ty said re��ecting on that season of uncertainty. ���Everything was the same���just no one else saw like I did.��� of taken away my independence���. Ty wholeheartedly agreed. ���Hands down not being able Looking back, there were signs along the way that the Sellersburg native had vision problems at least since he to drive and no night vision, you lose your independence.��� Both teens get rides to wherever they need to go, but was 10, the most telling being when he could no longer see its awkward at times, and frustrating when a driver isn���t a ball hurtling toward him while playing sports. ���We thought he was just clumsy,��� his mother, Joanna available during those moments when they feel the need Kane, said. ���He might have had it all his life, but it didn���t to just get out of the house. But the pain of being without a vehicle at their disposal is often eased by the company of show up on any tests before.��� Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disorder, essentially caring family members and good friends. Ty likes to play a decaying of the retina in the back of the eye. Typically, video games and read comics, but his favorite activity is people who su��er from RP experience greatly diminished hanging out with his friends. They play jokes on him now, night vision, and peripheral vision that gradually closes in, holding their hands next to his face, waiting to see if he���ll in some cases leading to total blindness. Retinitis pigmen- realize what���s going on, but he says it���s all in good fun. tosa is a rare disorder, even among already rare issues of ���They joke around, but they���ll help me with anything.��� Getting connected with the Foundation Fighting Blindextreme blindness. Only about 120,000 people in the United States suf- ness has also served to keep their spirits a��oat despite the fer from this condition. Dr. Stephen Rose, Chief Research frustration that overwhelms them at times. ���We love the O��cer at the Foundation, likens the early e��ects of RP to Foundation, they���ve been great with him,��� Joanna said. She holding up toilet paper tubes to your eyes. Basically, it���s a discovered the organization after Ty���s diagnosis while re- March/April 2013 ��� 20