Retinitis pigmentosa progression tied to changes in ellipsoid zone bandwidth

Tracking the ellipsoid zone (EZ) bandwidth annually using high-resolution spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) can serve as a valuable biomarker to monitor the progression of photoreceptor degeneration and predict visual acuity outcomes in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, according to a presentation at ASRS 2024.

In the study, 66 eyes from 33 patients (10 males and 23 females, average age 28.5 years) were analyzed. A logMAR VA of 0 was found with EZ bandwidths between 1500-6000 µm. Initial visual acuity worsening (logMAR 0.1) occurred at EZ bandwidths between 900-5100 µm. Severe vision loss (logMAR 0.5-0.9) corresponded to EZ bandwidths of 0-750 µm, indicating significant foveal involvement. The central foveal EZ bandwidth declined by approximately 150 µm per year (P < 0.001), with a 5.2 µm decline for each 0.1 unit increase in logMAR scale (P < 0.001).

The authors concluded that the study suggests central foveal EZ bandwidth could be used as a biomarker to monitor photoreceptor degeneration and predict visual acuity outcomes in retinitis pigmentosa patients.

Reference
Sather R, et al. The Utilization of the Ellipsoid Zone Bandwidth and Its Correlation With Visual Acuity in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa. Presented at: ASRS 42nd Annual Meeting: July 17–20, 2024.