Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the function of the macula in patients with diabetes mellitus type II using NIDEK® Microperimeter. Design: case control study Methods: 25 patients (50 eyes) with proven diabetes mellitus Type II were randomly subjected to evaluation of the fixation pattern, and retinal sensitivity pattern at the macula using Nidek® Microperimeter. The findings were correlated with clinical and fluorescein angiographic picture. The test response in the form of duration of the test was also noted for each eye. Fundus changes were classified based on ETDRS criteria . Chi– square test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: 20 eyes (40%) had no evidence of diabetic retinopathy clinically or on angiography. Thirteen eyes(26%) had background changes but no clinically significant macular edema. Seventeen eyes (34%) showed clinical and angiographic macular edema. Asymmetrical clinical picture was noted in 9 patients( 36%). Abnormal macular function in the form of unstable fixation, delayed test response and subnormal retinal sensitivity was noted in a statistically significant number of eyes ( p< 0.001) in the study group and was related to the disease process. All eyes with macular edema ,7 eyes (53%) eyes with background changes and 8 eyes (32 % )with no retinopathy showed relatively unstable fixation pattern. Prolonged test time was noted in all eyes with macular edema , 8 eyes(61.5%) with background changes and 4 eyes( 20%) with no retinopathy. Abnormal retinal sensitivity was noted in 13 eyes (76.4%)with macular edema, 8 eyes (61.5%)with background changes and 7 eyes (35%) with no retinopathy. In the controls, fixation was relatively unstable in 10 eyes (20%), abnormal test time was noted in 6 eyes (12%), and subnormal retinal sensitivity was noted in 5 eyes (10%). Conclusions: Abnormal fixation pattern, reduced retinal sensitivity and prolonged test response indicate defective macular function and is related to the disease process in diabetics.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • macula/fovea • visual fields