Swept-source optical coherence tomography changes and visual acuity among Palestinian retinitis Pigmentosa patients:...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases causing progressive vision loss.
• Understanding RP's diverse manifestations is crucial for patient management.
• This study focuses on SS-OCT findings in a Palestinian RP cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize SS-OCT findings in Palestinian patients with RP.
• To investigate correlations between SS-OCT features and visual acuity (VA).
• To identify potential biomarkers for RP progression.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study of 161 eyes from 81 RP patients.
• Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and SS-OCT imaging were performed.
• Key metrics included cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane, macular holes, EZ/ELM status, CMT, and CCT.

Main Results:

• Cystoid macular edema (17.4%) and epiretinal membrane (10.6%) were the most common findings.
• Absence of ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) occurred in 35.0% and 37.5% of eyes, respectively.
• Visual acuity (LogMAR BCVA) significantly correlated with cystoid macular edema, EZ, and ELM status (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• SS-OCT revealed unique RP morphologies in Palestinian patients compared to other populations.
• Cystoid macular edema and vitreous hyperreflective foci may signify early to intermediate RP stages.
• Serial high-resolution OCT monitoring of EZ/ELM area and choroidal vascular thickness can track disease progression.