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Cataract extraction yields improved vision, function in retinitis pigmentosa patients
Cataract extraction significantly improved vision and function in a majority of patients with retinitis pigmentosa, according to a study.
The retrospective, observational case series included 80 eyes of 47 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who underwent cataract surgery. Mean patient age was 48.9 years. Patients were followed for a mean 23.3 months.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts were reported in 97.5% of patients, the study authors said.
By 3 months postoperative, mean best corrected visual acuity improved from 20/340 to 20/129; the gain was statistically significant (P < .0001).
Preoperative vision improved from a mean of 20/81 to 20/43 postoperatively, which was also statistically significant (P < .0001).
Sixty-six eyes experienced posterior capsule opacificationm, and 42 eyes underwent YAG laser capsulotomy at a mean of 10.8 months following surgery.
Fifteen eyes of 10 patients showed signs of phacodonesis. Bilateral dislocated in-the-bag IOLs occurred in one patient at 5.5 years and 6 years postoperatively.
Disclosure: The study authors report no relevant financial disclosures.