Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To validate the Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter (PHP; Carl Zeiss Meditec, California) test as a tool to detect recent onset choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and differentiate it from the intermediate stage of age–related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Study eyes of patients with AMD, 50 years or older were enrolled with either the intermediate stage of AMD (at least one large druse or at least 20 medium size drusen) or presumably recent onset CNV (diagnosed within 60 days of enrollment) and confirmed by photograph reading center graders using color fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms from all participants after informed consent (approved by the Study Group and by local institutional review boards) was obtained. Graders were masked to PHP findings; PHP operators were masked with respect to whether the intermediate stage of AMD or neovascular AMD was present. A sample size of approximately 60 participants in each group were judged needed to identify, with at least 95% confidence, a sensitivity of at least 80% and a specificity of at least 80%. Results: 57 eligible subjects had the intermediate stage of AMD; 65 subjects had CNV. The sensitivity of the PHP to detect newly diagnosed CNV from a population of individuals with recent onset (newly diagnosed) CNV or the intermediate stage of AMD was 82%. The specificity of the PHP to differentiate recent onset CNV from the intermediate stage of AMD was 88%. Conclusions: Since the PHP differentiated the intermediate stage of AMD from recent onset CNV in patients with AMD with a high sensitivity and high specificity, the PHP may be useful for monitoring individuals with the intermediate stage of AMD in an attempt to identify recent onset CNV.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • choroid: neovascularization • detection