What Is the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa? Supportive Management Approach
Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive inherited retinal dystrophy. No treatment alters the underlying disease course; the clinical focus is therefore on managing complications and preserving functional vision through targeted supportive interventions.
Clinical Situation
This protocol applies to patients with primary retinitis pigmentosa. The management strategy is directed at complications of the condition — including visually significant lens changes — and at maximising remaining vision through optical and protective measures.
Treatment Approach (partial overview)
Management is supportive. Where visually significant lens changes have developed, a surgical option may be considered. Protective eyewear during outdoor activities and a range of low-vision optical aids form part of the approach — the full structured regimen specifies which interventions apply and under what conditions.
References
DOI: 10.1016/0039-6257(88)90085-9
- No treatment for primary retinitis pigmentosa exists, but patients may benefit from treatment of complications such as cataracts and from use of a variety of optical aids.
- Most patients with visual fields of more than 10° are not incapacitated by such posterior subcapsular cataracts, but some may benefit from lens extraction.
- The recommendation has been made that retinitis pigmentosa patients wear dark glasses during outdoor activities.
- CPF 550 lenses (Corning Photochromatic Filter) which filter out 97 to 99% of the spectral and ultraviolet energy below 550 nm wavelength have been promoted to increase eye comfort through less glare and less internal scatter, to improve contrast and to reduce adaptation time from light to dark and vice versa.
- Various optical aids have been proposed for patients with peripheral visual loss and preserved central vision, although all have drawbacks.
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