Role of Flicker Perimetry in Predicting Onset of Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Flicker sensitivity is reduced in eyes that go on to develop late AMD. The rate of change in flicker sensitivities over time was particularly useful in predicting eyes and areas within the eye that subsequently develop GA.

Defining the structure–function relationship of specific lesions in early and advanced age-related macular degeneration

“…This suggests that VF may be impaired even when there are no clinically evident structural changes from AMD that can be detected by imaging. Our findings are consistent with previous findings of VF changes in structurally normal regions preceding progression to advanced AMD 22 , 23 . In particular, we found that fellow eyes of AMD eyes had significantly lower MRS than controls, when reduced VA was not statistically significant.…”

An Evaluation of a Battery of Functional and Structural Tests as Predictors of Likely Risk of Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…6 Age-related macular degeneration and the rate limiting step in the dark adaptation process share the same anatomic locus, the RPE, 37 and it is for this reason that measures of dark adaptation are consistently associated with AMD, even at its earliest stages. Although previous studies have reported that flicker sensitivity is reduced in eyes that eventually develop GA or choroidal neovascularization 12,38 the current findings, like those of Eisner et al 13 suggest that this test has less value as a predictor of disease onset and progression.…”

Static and Flicker Perimetry in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…Examining their rate of change in sensitivity with time would allow us to differentiate those with progression from those without, as reported here and in a recent publication. 15 The test-retest reliability for static and flicker perimetry found in our study was approximately 65 dB. Thus, small changes in sensitivity should be interpreted with caution.…”