Comparison of retinal thickness and fundus-related microperimetry with visual acuity in uveitic macular oedema.
OBJECTIVE
Macular oedema is a common complication and vision-limiting factor in uveitis. The aim of this study was to compare retinal thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography and photoreceptor function as measured by fundus-related microperimetry with respect to their correlation with visual acuity.


METHODS
Prospective observational monocentre study. Thirty-one patients (53 eyes) with endogenous uveitis and fluorescein angiographically confirmed macular oedema were evaluated. Foveal thickness was analysed using spectral-domain (Spectralis(TM) ; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) OCT and retinal sensitivity was assessed using fundus-related microperimetry (MP1; Nidek Technologies, Padova, Italy). All findings were correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).


RESULTS
Foveal thickness was correlated with BCVA [p = 0.005, r = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-0.59]. For microperimetry measurements, a negative correlation with logMAR visual acuity was found. Fixation abnormalities were not associated with poor visual acuity, increased foveal thickness or retinal sensitivity. In eyes with cystoid changes in the outer plexiform and inner nuclear layer, foveal thickness was increased (p < 0.0001). Epiretinal membrane formation was present in 70%. In these eyes, foveal thickness was significantly increased (p = 0.003) and visual acuity was worse (p = 0.08).


CONCLUSIONS
Foveal thickness and fundus-related microperimetry were correlated with visual acuity. Cystoid changes in the outer plexiform and inner nuclear layer and the presence of epiretinal membrane were associated with poor visual acuity. Fixation abnormalities were not associated with poor visual acuity.
Roesel
Martin
M
Department of Ophthalmology, St Franziskus Hospital Muenster, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
Heimes
Britta
B
Heinz
Carsten
C
Henschel
Andreas
A
Spital
Georg
G
Heiligenhaus
Arnd
A
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D058609:Visual Field Tests