Static and Flicker Perimetry in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Citation: Luu CD, Dimitrov PN, Wu Z, et al. Static and flicker perimetry in age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013;54:3560-3568. DOI:10.1167/ iovs.12-10465 PURPOSE. The relationship between clinical severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and macular function has not been well established. In this study, we investigated the correlation between clinical severity and functional deficits as detected by static and flicker perimetry.METHODS. This cross-sectional study consisted of 279 AMD subjects and 24 control participants. AMD subjects were allocated into 1 of 10 AMD severity groups depending on the status of the designated study eye and the fellow eye, as assessed by color fundus photographs. Visual acuity, and static and flicker perimetry were tested on one eye during the same session. The geometric means, SDs, and percentage of abnormal eyes of static and flicker sensitivity of each AMD severity group were determined and compared. CONCLUSIONS. Static and flicker perimetry were affected similarly across the spectrum of AMD severity, and methods appeared to be valid techniques for assessing retinal sensitivity in AMD once drusen > 125 lm are present, but before the development of late AMD.

Visual acuity loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration measured using a novel high-pass letter chart

“…Studies investigating colour vision deficiencies7 8 and foveal flicker sensitivity9 10 have found conflicting results. Other studies have examined functional tests such as reading speed,11 photostress recovery12 and microperimetry 13.…”

Flicker Sensitivity in Normal Aging—Monocular Tests of Retinal Function at Photopic and Mesopic Light Levels

“…Reductions in high frequency sensitivity have been observed largely in cases of retinal disease such as AMD, 17,[22][23][24][25][26] diabetes, 17 and glaucoma, 27 and loss of rapid flicker sensitivity has also been observed under conditions of mild hypoxia. 28 The loss of flicker sensitivity can be used to separate eyes at risk of AMD from normal eyes 25 and to predict the future progression of the disease.…”

“…28 The loss of flicker sensitivity can be used to separate eyes at risk of AMD from normal eyes 25 and to predict the future progression of the disease. 22,23,29 Tests characterizing the loss of flicker sensitivity could be better indicators of disease progression than the predicted loss based on signs derived from clinical examination of the fundus. 6,22,23 A number of reasons for the loss of flicker sensitivity in aging and disease have been explored.…”

“…22,23,29 Tests characterizing the loss of flicker sensitivity could be better indicators of disease progression than the predicted loss based on signs derived from clinical examination of the fundus. 6,22,23 A number of reasons for the loss of flicker sensitivity in aging and disease have been explored. Both a shift in the peak of the temporal CSF and an overall reduction in sensitivity could produce a decrease in modulation sensitivity at a particular temporal frequency.…”

Multifocal Pupillography in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…12 Luu et al 35 observed both static and flicker sensitivity loss primarily in the central 6 degrees from fixation; however, significant deviations were not identified until eyes presented with drusen greater than 125 Km. 12 Luu et al 35 observed both static and flicker sensitivity loss primarily in the central 6 degrees from fixation; however, significant deviations were not identified until eyes presented with drusen greater than 125 Km.…”