Rod and Cone Sensitivity and Refracted LogMAR Acuity Over the First Five to Seven Years Following Successful Reattachment

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To describe rod and cone sensitivity and refracted LogMAR acuity over the first five to seven years following successful reattachment. Methods: 60 patients had photopic and dark adapted scotopic measurements pre–op and at six weeks, 3 months and 12 months post–operatively following successful retinal reattachment . A subgroup of seven patients had further follow up with repeat measurements a minimum of five years after successful reattachment. Photopic and scotopic microperimetry measurements were used to analyse rod and cone function across the macula. Refracted visual acuity was obtained at each visit together with refracted contrast sensitivity. Clinical performas recorded clinical details at each attendance. Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) documented macula anatomy. Results: Scotopic fixation values were more severely affected than photopic values throughout the follow up period. (paired T–test p<0.07x10^–6 ) The seven patients who returned after five years had stable or slightly improved scotopic sensitivity compared to one year but continued to have severely reduced sensitivity. At five years or more photopic values minimally improved or were stable. Refracted LogMAR acuity was stable between three months and upto seven years of follow up. Microperimetry confirmed abnormalities across the macula with evidence of deterioration in rod function outside patient's fixation. Conclusions: Rod function was more profoundly affected after reattachment than cone function. Both fixation sensitivity values were more sensitive markers of retinal damage than refraction corrected LogMAR acuity. Scotopic fixation was a more sensitive marker of retinal damage than the photopic values.

Keywords: retina • photoreceptors • vitreoretinal surgery