Preponderance of Low Vision and Blindness in Rp Patients of Okara : Prevalence of blindness in RP patients

We performed a retrospective study between December 2010 and May 2011 on all retinitis pigmentosa (RP) cases seen from Okara during ophthalmological consultation at Lyton Rahmatullah Benevolent trust (LRBT) hospital from August 2008 to January 2011. The aim of this study was to determine the preponderance of low vision and blindness in retinitis pigmentosa in patients of Okara. The techniques used for the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa were an examination of ocular fundus using a biomicroscope (fundoscopy), far visual acuity and visual field. Indeed, a drop in visual acuity and blindness were the main reasons for consultation in this study. 100 cases were reported of which two were with family history from Okara, 70 male and 30 females were affected from RP. The average age of RP patients was 27.45 with a range of 4-78 years. Blindness and low vision was observed in 54% of the patients and 40% respectively. The average age of RP patients with low vision ranges from 6-50 years and the average age of RP patients with blindness range from 9-65 years. Patients should be screened to enable them to benefit from management focusing on both appropriate treatment and genetic counseling.