Correlation of structure and function of the macula in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE

To correlate the structure of the macula, as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and function, as measured by microperimetry (MAIA) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and relatively good visual acuity.

DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional, non-intervention study.

SUBJECTS

Patients with RP.

METHODS

Thirty patients with RP and good central visual acuity were identified. Each patient underwent SD-OCT of the macula and microperimetry. The images were overlaid using the custom-designed software. The retinal sensitivity by microperimetry was correlated with corresponding retinal thickness, as measured by the SD-OCT. ELM, COST, and IS/OS junction were scored as intact, disrupted, or absent.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparing the retinal sensitivity on the MAIA with various measurements on the SD-OCT.

RESULTS

The retinal sensitivity on the MAIA showed a significant correlation with total retinal thickness and outer retinal thickness on the SD-OCT. There was no association with either the inner retinal thickness or the choroidal thickness. ORT showed a statistically significant correlation with the anatomical classification of ELM (r=-0.76, P<0.001), IS/OS (r=-0.800, P<0.001), and COST (r=-0.733, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study determined that there was a high correlation of the structure and function of the central macula in patients with RP. These studies are important to establish surrogate markers that can be used as end points for various tests in future therapeutic clinical trials.