Fixation pattern and macular sensitivity in eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. A microperimetry study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of subfoveal choroidal neovascularizzation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on macular functional parameters quantified with an automatic fundus perimeter.


METHODS
118 eyes of 98 consecutive patients with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD were evaluated. Best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS charts), fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography were performed. Microperimetry (fundus-related perimetry) was used to quantify macular sensitivity and fixation pattern (location and stability).


RESULTS
Of 118 eyes: 26 (21.9%) had central, 18 (15.1%) poor central and 74 (63.0%) eccentric fixation; 31 (26.0%) had stable, 42 (35.6%) relatively unstable and 45 (38.4%) unstable fixation. In 75 eyes (63.4%) a dense central scotoma was found. Angiographic classification of subfoveal CNV (occult versus classic) was not significantly related to fixation pattern (location: P = 0.274; stability: P = 0.385), and presence of dense scotoma (P = 0.41).


CONCLUSIONS
Microperimetric quantification of macular sensitivity and fixation pattern in eyes with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD offers new data about the impact of visual impairment in these eyes. Moreover, microperimetry improves the functional evaluation of subfoveal CNV in AMD.
Midena
Edoardo
E
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. edoardo.midena@unipd.it
Radin
Pietro Paolo
PP
Pilotto
Elisabetta
E
Ghirlando
Alessandra
A
Convento
Enrica
E
Varano
Monica
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005403:Fixation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*