Retinitis pigmentosa （RP） is a group of progressive and blinding hereditary fundus diseases characterized by damaged retinal photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium. With the clinical manifestations of night blindness and progressive visual field defect， RP has a high possibility of developing into blindness， which seriously affects the quality of life of the patients. The recent years have witnessed increasing studies about the pathogenesis and treatment of RP. By reviewing the relevant articles， we conclude that the pathogenesis of RP is mainly related to genes， and retinal blood perfusion， oxidative stress injury， and inflammatory cascade all affect the progression of this disease. The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） therapies for RP mainly include TCM compound prescriptions， Chinese medicine extract， acupuncture combined with medicine， and comprehensive TCM treatment. The Western medicine therapies include gene therapy， stem cell therapy， optogenetic therapy， retinal prosthesis， drugs， treatment of complications and other therapies. The intervention mechanisms of traditional Chinese and Western medicine often involve gene modification， alternative therapy， improvement of retinal blood perfusion， antioxidant damage， and nutritional support. By summarizing the specific methods and effects of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in treating RP， we hope to provide a reference for the management and treatment of RP.