Functional evaluation in central retinitis pigmentosa.

Three patients with central retinitis pigmentosa were investigated in a 5-year follow-up study. The psychophysical and electrophysiological data show the involement of both the central and peripheral photoreceptors and their continuous functional deterioration with time. This conclusion could be demonstrated under all conditions of testing indicating the polymorphism of the disease. The results and the lack of genetical involvement make it difficult to relate this condition to the classical pigmentary retinal degeneration. This data emphasizes the importance of clinical reevaluations and serial electrophysiological testing in order to differentiate between the stationary periods and the progressive deterioration in this disease.