title: Detection of macular function changes in early (AREDS 2) and intermediate (AREDS 3) age-related macular degeneration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate if retinal sensitivity values obtained with a dedicated (screening) device can be used to functionally identify early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  A fully automatic fundus perimeter combined with an image-stabilized scanning laser ophthalmoscope was used in 200 ARMD patients (319 eyes) in 5 study sites. The age-matched control group consisted of 200 normals. Sensitivity point values (S values), mean retinal sensitivity, number of points below 24 dB (K value, cutoff for normal values) and fixation stability were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 319 eyes, 164 were classified as early (AREDS 2) and 155 as intermediate (AREDS 3) ARMD. Mean retinal sensitivity was significantly reduced in ARMD patients versus normals (p < 0.001). K values were different between normals and ARMD patients (p < 0.001). Fixation stability did not differ between early and intermediate ARMD patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Macular sensitivity is reduced in patients with early and intermediate ARMD when compared to age-matched normals. These changes may be detected with a screening device.
authors.affiliation: Fondazione GB Bietti, IRCCS, Roma, Italy. stelavu@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Stela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vujosevic
authors.forename: Michael K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Smolek
authors.forename: Kenneth A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lebow
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Notaroberto
authors.forename: Aristophanis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pallikaris
authors.forename: Margherita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Casciano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D058609:Visual Field Tests; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology