This has got to be the first question asked by someone who has just been told the news.  We've all gone through it and the answer is simple. Nobody knows for sure. Anyone who tells you any differently is a fool. The one thing that is known about R.P. is they don't know how long it will take. Every case is different.

I was diagnosed at age 27, and I'm pretty sure I've had it all my life. They said that I was legally blind and wanted to hand me a white cane. At that time I had about 10 degrees left in one eye (the only one I can see out of). The so-called experts tell you that your peripheral vision is the first to go, but at age 42, I still have all my side vision left. I was told that I shouldn't have depth perception, but I can still judge distances very well. My central vision is now down to 2-3 degrees, and I only need reading glasses at this point. At this rate of progression I have a lot of time left. On the other hand it could start deteriorating at a faster rate and I could lose it all in a short period of time. So, when will I go blind? I don't know. When will you go blind? Nobody knows for sure. Keep your spirits up. Live life to the fullest while you can still see,  but plan for the future. You don't need any more surprises, do you.