Correlation of SD-OCT features and retinal sensitivity in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To correlate retinal sensitivity in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with specific characteristics of retinal morphology.


METHODS
Thirty eyes of 30 patients presenting with active choroidal neovascularization were examined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and microperimetry (MP-1). Image-processing software was used to match a fundus photographic (FP) MP-1 image with an infrared+OCT SD-OCT image. Each MP test point for retinal sensitivity was positioned at the corresponding SD-OCT location, and the microperimetric results were evaluated.


RESULTS
An intact retinal configuration was associated with a median retinal sensitivity of 15.5 dB (quartiles: 12 dB, 18 dB). The median retinal sensitivities were 0 dB (quartiles: 0 dB, 1 dB) for the neovascular complex, 4 dB (0 dB, 9 dB) for the subretinal fluid, 1 dB (0 dB, 6 dB) for the intraretinal fluid, and 0 dB (0 dB, 3 dB) for intraretinal cysts. Pigment epithelium detachment was associated with a median retinal sensitivity of 3 dB (0 dB, 8 dB), and subretinal drusen had a median value of 8 dB (5 dB, 12 dB). Deep retinal layer analyses gave low median retinal sensitivities of 0 dB (0 dB, 3 dB) for an absent retinal pigment epithelium layer and 1 dB (0 dB, 5 dB) for an absent photoreceptor layer.


CONCLUSIONS
Superimposition of morphological SD-OCT features and microperimetric retinal sensitivity allowed exact determination of the differential impact of retinal alteration on the corresponding sensitivity. Individual OCT-related indicators of neurosensory integrity were distinctly correlated with visual function. "Morphofunctional" findings could be relevant as prognostic factors and for (re)treatment decisions. (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ number, 2006-005684-26.).
Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Florian
F
Sulzbacher
Christopher
C
Kiss
Alexandra
A
Kaider
Stefan
S
Eisenkoelbl
Marion
M
Munk
Philipp
P
Roberts
Stefan
S
Sacu
Ursula
U
Schmidt-Erfurth
D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000473:pathology*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000473:pathology; D015593:Retinal Drusen / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012984:Software; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*; D014787:Vision Tests / Q000379:methods; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods