Ocular abnormalities in a large Western China patient cohort with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Abstract

Background To report the prevalence of ocular abnormalities and investigate visual acuity in a large Western China cohort of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. Methods A retrospective study was performed, reviewing the medical records and ophthalmic examination reports of 2,127 eyes from 1,065 RP patients in one eye hospital. The authors investigated the prevalence of ocular abnormalities and the relationship between best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular abnormalities. Results Nyctalopia (58.2%) and blurred vision (27.1%) were the leading consultation causes. BCVA measurements in the better eyes at first clinical presentation showed that 304 patients (28.5%) were categorised as blind and 220 patients (20.7%) as low vision. The most common ocular abnormalities were cataracts (43.1%) and macular abnormalities (59.7%), including epiretinal membranes (51.1%), cystoid macular edema (18.4%), vitreomacular traction syndrome (2.4%), macular holes (2.3%) and choroidal neovascular membranes (0.05%). Glaucoma was found in 35 eyes (1.6%). The proportions of epiretinal membranes (P=0.001) and macular holes (P=0.008) increased significantly with age. Cystoid macular edema was significantly associated with poorer visual acuity in RP patients with clear lens (P=0.002).Conclusion Cataracts and macular abnormalities are common in RP patients. In the macular abnormalities, cystoid macular edema may have a negative effect on BCVA in RP patients with clear lens. Therefore, OCT screening in RP patients is highly recommended for early detection and treatment of maculopathy.