Abstract
Purpose: :
Topical isopropyl unoprostone has been shown to have neuroprotective effects on retinal neurons in animals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether topical isopropyl unoprostone will alter the decrease of central visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Methods: :
Topical of isopropyl unoprostone was given twice a day to 30 patients with typical RP for 6 months. The visual acuity (VA) in logMAR units, mean retinal sensitivity within the central 10 degree obtained by fundus-related microperimetry (MP1), and the mean deviation (MD) determined with a Humphrey field analyzer (HFA) 10-2 were examined before and at 6 months after unoprostone.
Results: :
At 6 months, the mean VA decreased significantly from -0.02 to 0.037 (P<0.01) logMAR units, however the mean retinal sensitivity measured with MP1 improved significantly from 8.86 dB to 10.67 dB (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the MD of the HFA after the unoprostone.The intraocular pressure decreased with unoprostone.
Conclusions: :
These short-term results suggest that isopropyl unoprostone eye drops may preserve the central retinal function in RP patients. It will be necessary to examine longer treatment periods to determine the neuroprotective effects of topical unoprostone in RP patients.
Clinical Trial: :
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm
Keywords: neuroprotection • retina • perimetry