SEP 10, 2013
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
This prospective study found that using topical dorzolamide for more than one year is effective for the treatment of cystoid macular edema (CME) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
The study included 10 consecutive patients with CME secondary to typical RP who used 1% dorzolamide three times daily in each affected eye.
After 18 months, CME was almost completely resolved in 10 (55.6 percent) of 18 eyes and retinal thickness improved significantly (baseline: 443.5 ± 99.8 μm; after 12 or 18 months’ treatment: 380.5 ± 106.1 μm; P < 0.001).
In addition, macular sensitivity significantly improved (P < 0.05) in all 10 eyes in which CME was almost completely resolved. In eight of the nine eyes in which CME was almost completely resolved within six months, the therapeutic efficacy persisted through 18 months. However, CME recurred in five eyes that were almost completely resolved or showed an initial response within six months. There were no severe side effects.
The authors conclude that dorzolamide should be the first choice for treating CME associated with RP. However, additional or other treatments are required for eyes in which CME does not completely resolve within six months.