A low-vision-care viewpoint of cataract surgery for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Purpose : To evaluate the outcomes and patient satisfaction with cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods : A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 12 patients (21 eyes) with RP who underwent cataract surgery at Okayama University Hospital between June 2004 and March 2006, and the patients were interviewed regarding their satisfaction with the surgery. Results : Best-corrected visual acuity improved in 17 eyes. Regarding complications, aftercataract, anterior capsular contraction, and temporary elevation of intraocular pressure occurred in 7, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. Subjective improvement in visual acuity, visual field, photophobia, ability to read and write, mobility, activities of daily life, and social life were noted in 10, 2, 4, 7, 6, 10, and 1 patients, respectively. All patients regarded the decision to undergo surgery as a good one. Conclusions : In this study, patients with RP were satisfied with their visual acuities and abilities to perform activities of daily living after cataract surgery, and we considered complications of this surgery to be minor. These results show that when patients are well informed before giving consent to the surgery, satisfaction with the results of surgery will be high. Cataract surgery should be performed before the patient's quality of life declines.