Alteration Ocular Motility in Retinitis Pigmentosa: Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics

Background:

• Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited disorders that affect the retina.
• Ocular motility (OM) disorders and strabismus are common in the general population, but their prevalence in RP patients is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of ocular motility (OM) disorders and strabismus in a sample of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
• To assess potential correlations between OM alterations and strabismus in RP patients based on age, refractive error, or binocular vision impairment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted on RP patients and a control group.
• Standardized orthoptic evaluations included anamnesis, best-corrected visual acuity, complete eye examination, corneal reflex, cover test, OM assessment, Hess screen, and Lang test.

Main Results:

• The incidence of OM disorder was 77.42%, and strabismus was present in 45.16% of RP patients.
• Exotropia was the most common type of strabismus (41.93%), with intermittent exotropia in 25% of cases.
• OM alterations included overaction of the inferior oblique (51.6%) and overaction of the lateral rectus (18%).
• Alterations in OM and strabismus were not correlated with age or high refractive defect.
• Motility disorders and strabismus in RP patients are attributed to a genetic factor, with men being more susceptible.

Conclusions:

• Ocular motility disorders and strabismus are highly prevalent in retinitis pigmentosa patients.
• These conditions are likely linked to the genetic basis of RP, suggesting a higher susceptibility in males.