Retinal sensitivity measurement over drusen using scanning laser ophthalmoscope microperimetry.
BACKGROUND
Retinal sensitivity over drusen was examined using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope to confirm a previous report of no change in sensitivity over drusen.


METHODS
Microperimetry was performed using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in 23 eyes of 19 subjects. Subject age ranged from 42 to 86 years (mean 68.5 years). Fifty-four drusen bigger than the diameter of a major retinal vein at the optic disc rim were examined, and drusen were classified as soft drusen and other large drusen.


RESULTS
Nine eyes of eight subjects showed a decrease in retinal sensitivity over drusen. The decrease in retinal sensitivity was more than 5 dB less than the sensitivity at a peripheral non-drusen area peripheral to the measurement point. The sensitivity decrease was noted over 15 of 29 large drusen and the decrease was statistically significant (P < 0.02). However, no relationship between the size of the drusen and the amount by which sensitivity decreased was found. Nevertheless, a decrease in retinal sensitivity was not seen over any of 25 soft drusen.


CONCLUSIONS
Large drusen may influence retinal sensitivity and function.
Takamine
Y
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.
Shiraki
K
K
Moriwaki
M
M
Yasunari
T
T
Miki
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019721:Ophthalmoscopes; D012160:Retina / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015593:Retinal Drusen / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*