Ellipsoid zone evaluation may predict outcomes after cataract surgery in retinitis pigmentosa

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who had preserved foveal ellipsoid zone prior to cataract surgery had a better visual prognosis, according to a study.

In this retrospective, observational study, 64 patients with typical RP who underwent cataract surgery were followed up for ≥3 years post-surgery.

A total of 96 eyes underwent cataract surgery and were followed for an average of 5.8 ± 2.4 years. The mean pre-surgery BCVA was 0.64 ± 0.52 and the final post-surgery BCVA was 0.61 ± 0.67 (P = 0.57), with significant improvement after surgery observed only in eyes with preserved foveal ellipsoid zone (grade 3). At the final visit, there was a significant decrease in mean values of deviation, macular sensitivity and foveal sensitivity in the 62 eyes that received Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 tests compared with preoperative values. There was no significant change post-surgery in grade 3 eyes.

Reference
Nakamura S, Fujiwara K, Yoshida N, et al. Long-term Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmol Retina. 2021;S2468-6530(21)00384-5. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.12.010. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34923176.