Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To compare two macular psychophysical tests aimed to detect stage and progression of intermediate age–related macular degeneration. Methods: 68 eyes of 56 consecutive patients with intermediate age–related macular degeneration were examined. Best corrected visual acuity was quantified with ETDRS charts (logMAR notation). Fixation characteristics and fundus–related macular sensitivity maps were quantified with microperimetry (MP1 Microperimeter, Nidek Technologies, Padova, Italy). Preferential hyperacuity perimetry (Preview PHP, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Jena, Germany) was also quantified. Results: Out of 68 eyes, 57 eyes (83.8%) had pathologically reduced macular threshold at microperimetry: 51 eyes (89.4%) had foveal relative scotoma, 6 eyes (10.6%) perifoveal relative scotoma. PHP was positive in 52 eyes (76.4%): 17 eyes (32,6%) with foveal and 35 (67.4%) with perifoveal defects. No eyes with positive PHP had normal microperimetry threshold. Fifteen eyes (22%) negative at PHP revealed relative scotoma at microperimetry. Conclusions: Intermediate age–related macular degeneration may be better defined using macular function tests. Microperimetry seems to be superior to PHP in identifying macular function alterations induced by intermediate age–related macular degeneration.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • perimetry • macula/fovea