Studying a Potential Protective Effect of L-Dopa on Retinitis Pigmentosa

The Effect of L-Dopa on the Progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of L-Dopa on the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of progressive hereditary diseases that diffusely affects the functioning of photoreceptors and the pigment epithelium. It may be speculated that a protective effect on the pigment epithelium, as it is supposed for L-Dopa, can slow the progression of the disease or even lead to an, at least transient, improvement of visual functions. To evaluate the effect of L-Dopa on retinitis pigmentosa progression, visual acuity, electroretinogram and visual field will be preformed regularly.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All confirmed cases of retinitis pigmentosa
• VA of 20/400 or better

Exclusion Criteria:

• Advanced stages of retinitis pigmentosa with poor best corrected visual acuity (less than 20/400)
• co-existing eye morbidities interfering with retinitis pigmentosa (glaucoma, retinal detachment...)
• Flat electroretinogram
• Intolerance or counterindication to drug
• Unability for long-term follow-up