Quality of life (QOL) assessment in patients with retinitis pigmentosa following use of filters -a study from northern-india

Introduction: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a predominant rod dystrophy with degeneration of cones in later stages. RP may occur as sporadic disorder or be inherited in an Autosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive or X-Linked Pattern. Retinitis Pigmentosa includes symptoms like night blindness, delayed dark adaptation, tubular vision photophobia or glare. It affects the quality of life (QoL) to a great extent. Aim: To find out the role of filters in Retinitis Pigmentosa among patients coming to OPD of Sitapur Eye Hospital in the age group of 11-80 years. Methods: In this cross-sectional, prospective study, all patients in the age group of 11-80 years with Retinitis Pigmentosa were included. All fundamental clinical examinations were performed to make a final diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa. The final tests with filters and filters dispensing were done in the Low Vision Aid Department. The patients were called for a follow up visit after 1 month to assess effectiveness of filters and improvements in lifestyle (designed Questionnaire). Results: Out of 25 patients diagnosed, 72 % were females and 28 % were males.After the assessment of filters, it was found that 32% patients accepted Grey filter, 24 % accepted Dark brown and 24 % accepted light brown filter (Total brown filter- 48%) and rest 20 % accepted Amber filter. On follow up, 100 % of the patients were relieved from glare and they also had improvement in other lifestyle categories like visual tasks, social and mental health, mobility, object identification, self-care etc. Conclusion: Brown filters (Light brown, Dark brown) is effective on improving Quality of life (Visual task, Social, Mental, Daily task, Mobility, Emotion, Object identification, self-care and Dependency) of patient with low vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa and can be used as visual assistive device.