title: [A new method for quantification of metamorphopsia in patients with epiretinal membrane].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have developed a new method for quantification of metamorphopsia and applied it to study distorted vision resulting from epiretinal membrane (ERM).
  
  
  METHODS
  We prepared a modified Amsler chart, which was a square grid formed by black lines on a white background with 12 cm on a side and divided into 2 cm quadrants. The patients were asked to trace any straight lines on the chart which appeared irregular or curved. The length of all lines traced by the patients was measured except for the outer frame. The total length of the chart itself was 1,200 mm, but it would appear longer in patients with metamorphopsia. In addition, the severity of metamorphopsia was scored subjectively as follows: 1, absent; 2, slight; 3, mild; 4, moderate; and 5, severe. The relationship of the length to the score and to the visual acuity were analysed. Sixty-three patients with unilateral ERM were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The length of the line ranged from 1,200 to 1,259 mm (mean 1,223.3 mm) and was correlated significantly to the score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This method might be applied usefully in evaluating the severity of metamorphopsia and the surgical outcome of eyes with ERM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shinoda
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ishida
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kawashima
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsuzaki
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Katsura
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014787:Vision Tests / Q000379:methods