Are retinal degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa the same disease?

  Retinal degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are not necessarily the same disease. Retinal degeneration with flashing sensation should be examined in detail with dilated pupils, especially the peripheral retina; often retinal degeneration and flashing sensation are precursors to retinal detachment, so it is important to go to a larger hospital for dilated pupils to check the peripheral fundus, and if necessary, appropriate laser treatment can prevent retinal detachment; otherwise, once retinal detachment occurs, surgery is usually required.