Short-Wavelength Light-Blocking Filters and Oral Melatonin Administration in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa:...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) significantly reduces patient quality of life and independence.
• Current RP treatments do not address associated psychological distress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
• Vision variability and psychological states worsen the burden of RP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of oral melatonin (OM) and short-wavelength light (SWL)-blocking filters in RP patients.
• To evaluate the combined and individual effects of OM and SWL filters on stress and sleep quality.
• To explore a low-cost therapeutic approach for managing RP-related psychological and sleep issues.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing OM, SWL filters, combined therapy, and a control group.
• Primary outcomes include changes in hormone levels (melatonin, cortisol, alpha-amylase) and sleep quality (Visual Analog Scale).
• Secondary outcomes involve OCT/OCTA, visual fields, best-corrected visual acuity, wearable sleep data, and patient-reported quality of life measures.

Main Results:

• This study is a protocol and has not yet commenced recruitment.
• The working group is currently seeking start-up funding.
• The study is planned to begin after securing necessary financial resources and completing registration.

Conclusions:

• This feasibility trial will compare SWL blocking, OM, and combined interventions in RP patients.
• The findings aim to inform future studies and potential applications for other inherited retinal dystrophies.
• The study seeks to reduce the impact of sleep and psychological disorders, improve quality of life, and establish a novel therapeutic target for RP.