Frequency of nystagmus in retinitis pigmentosa patients

To determine the frequency of nystagmus experienced by patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

The descriptive study was conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from May to August 2024, and comprised patients aged 5-50 years receiving care for retinitis pigmentosa. To assess the kind and degree of retinitis pigmentosa, the patients were subjected to anterior segment examination, cover-uncover test, and pen torch examination. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.

Of the 25 patients with a mean age of 27.16±11.28 years, 16 (64%) were females. Overall, 15 (60%) patients were classified as blind, and 5 (20%) retained normal visual acuity. Nystagmus was present in 8 (32%) of the participants, predominantly among those with blindness (p= 0.377). Nystagmus was more frequent in females (6/16; 37.5%) than males. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.734).

Bilateral blindness was the predominant outcome, with nystagmus affecting nearly one-third of patients regardless of visual acuity.