Influence of docosahexaenoic acid treatment on visual acuity, visual field and bioelectric potential of the retina in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

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Retinitis pigmentosa (PR) is manifested by decreased vision, night blindness and narrowing of the visual field. In RP, the level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in blood plasma and red blood cells is significantly reduced. The largest amount of DHA is contained in the retina (30—40% of phospholipids). DHA increases membrane permeability, accelerates the release of vital proteins and retinal enzymes, provides differentiation of photoreceptors, and slows down apoptosis. The introduction of DHA in isolation or in combination with other fatty acids into the body increases its concentration and can be used for metabolism. While there is a known correlation between the level of DHA in the blood and certain retinal functions (visual acuity, light sensitivity, the value of bioelectric potential), many years of multicenter studies have not produced reliable data on the direct effect of isolated or combined use of DHA in maintaining retinal functions in PR. Despite inconsistent outcomes, the clinical trials should continue.

Keywords:

retinitis pigmentosa

docosahexaenoic acid

visual field

visual acuity

ERG

Authors:

Sheludchenko V.M.

Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases

ORCID: 0000-0001-5958-3018

Received:

26.05.2020

Accepted:

08.06.2020

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