Subtenon PRP treatment shows visual improvements in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Subtenon platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment can improve visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), particularly in terms of visual acuity and certain visual field metrics, though it does not significantly affect retinal structure, according to a study. Patient age and disease onset age are important factors in determining treatment response.

The study included 85 eyes from 43 patients with RP with a visual acuity of ≤1 logMAR. These patients underwent 3 rounds of autologous PRP treatment at 2-week intervals.

Visual and structural outcomes were measured before and 1 month after treatment.

There were significant improvements in visual acuity, visual field indices, and dark-adapted electroretinography responses. However, no notable changes were observed in central retinal sensitivity, fixation stability, outer retinal layer thickness, or ellipsoid zone length. In addition, the dimensions of the hyperautofluorescent ring on fundus autofluorescence were unchanged.

Reference
Sahli E, Özmert E, Günel MD, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of subtenon autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and factors affecting response to the treatment. Int Ophthalmol. 2024;44(1):388. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-03305-4. PMID: 39313744.