Retinitis Pigmentosa in Awka, Nigeria: A Survey Study

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa which causes irreversible blindness and affects all gender is usually inherited.

Objectives: To describe the incidence and pattern of retinitis pigmentosa at the Eye Unit of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The case files of all the new patients seen at the Eye Unit of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka between January 2014 to December 2021 were reviewed. Those with clinical diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa were selected and information bordering on age, sex, occupation, disease duration. associated morbidity and fundus findings were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Out of the 5461 new patients seen at the Eye Clinic within the study period, 29(0.5%) were diagnosed of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Of the 29 patients 18 (62.1%) were males and 11(37.9%) females, with male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The age range was 7 years to 69 years. Thirteen patients (44.8%) were between 16 years and 44 years. Median age was 33 years while the mean age was 34. 8+15. 2 years. Nine (31.0%) patients were students. The most common complaints of the patients were poor vision, 27(93.1%) and refractive error 8(27.68). Seven patients (24.18) were blind at presentation while retinal pigmentation was the most frequent fundus finding 29 (100%).

Conclusion: Retinitis Pigmentosa is a cause of visual impairment and blindness which reduces the quality of life of affected persons. Early diagnosis and visual rehabilitation should be encouraged.