The effects of acetazolamide on visual function in retinitis pigmentosa

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effects of acetazolamide on central and peripheral visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who showed no evidence of macular edema.

Methods: Thirteen patients with retinitis pigmentosa participated in a preliminary study. Measures of central and peripheral visual function were obtained before and after an 8 wk period on acetazolamide. An additional 10 patients participated in a cross-over study. They were placed on a placebo for an 8 wk period, then on acetazolamide for a second 8 wk period.

Results: None of the patients in the preliminary study showed significant changes in visual acuity, color vision, foveal cone pathway sensitivities, focal electroretinogram (ERG) amplitudes, or in any ERG parameter. Three patients, however, showed significant changes in visual field area and in dark-adapted thresholds. None of the patients in the cross-over study showed significant increases in visual field area.

Conclusions: Given the results and the reports of side-effects, it is difficult to justify using acetazolamide to improve retinal function in RP patients who show no evidence of cystoid macular edema.