Acupuncture for retinitis pigmentosa: study protocol for a randomised, sham-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Primary retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a prevalent hereditary retinal disease impacting patient quality of life.
• Effective therapeutic strategies for RP are limited, necessitating novel treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture (SA) for treating retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
• To assess the impact of acupuncture on visual field sensitivity, visual acuity, and other key ophthalmological and quality of life parameters in RP patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, participant-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 64 eligible RP patients.
• Participants received 48 sessions of either acupuncture or SA over 3 months, with follow-ups at 6 and 9 months.
• Primary outcomes included visual field mean sensitivity and deviation; secondary outcomes encompassed visual acuity, macular thickness, and quality of life scores.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract as it describes a study protocol.

Conclusions:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract as it describes a study protocol.