Visual Status of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Multicenter Study

Abstract

Aim: To determine the degree of visual loss associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Nigerians at first ophthalmic clinic presentation
 Methodology: Multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study in four collaborating retina clinics within Nigeria between January and December 2018. The primary outcome measure was the World Health Organization’s visual status classification at presentation. Clinical examination, including a Snellen’s visual acuity, refraction, anterior segment examination using a slit lamp biomicroscope, and dilated fundus examination using a +90D or +78D, was done in all consecutive RP patients. We analyzed the data using SPSS (version 22), P < 0.05.
 Results: Of 8614 patients seen within the study period, fiftyfour eyes of 27 patients diagnosed to have RP with a mean age of 44.1years ± 17.6 years (ranging between 5–73 years) constituted the study population. Eighteen (66.7%) were males and 9 (33.3%) females. The hospital-based prevalence of RP was 0.31%. Ten patients (37.0%) presented with myopia. RP was bilateral in all cases and non-syndromic. Bilateral low vision and blindness were noted in 44.4% and 22.2% of patients respectively.
 Conclusion: About a quarter of patients with RP presenting to the retina clinics would have some degree of visual morbidity. Educating eye care providers and patients about the disease would improve understanding, encourage early clinic visits, manage visual morbidity and enhance rehabilitation when necessary.
 Keywords: Retinitis Pigmentosa; Nigeria; Low Vision; Blindness.