title: Retinal sensitivity in healthy Indians using microperimeter.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish the retinal sensitivity values in healthy Indians using microperimeter.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, 144 healthy volunteers were included. All the participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including contrast sensitivity. Microperimetry was performed in the central 20° of the macula using 76 stimulus points to assess the retinal sensitivity, and the fixation characteristics in the study population were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the study sample was 43.08 ± 10.85 years (range: 25-69). Mean retinal sensitivity was 18.26 ± 0.99 dB. Males had significantly increased retinal sensitivity (18.34 vs. 18.17 dB, P = 0.03). The linear regression analysis revealed a 0.04 dB per year age-related decline in mean retinal sensitivity. Contrast sensitivity was significantly correlated with the mean retinal sensitivity (r = 0.432, P < 0.001). Fixation stability in the central 2° and 4° were 69% and 89%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microperimeter is an ideal tool to assess the retinal sensitivity and the fixation behavior. These normative values could help in drawing a meaningful conclusion in various retinal pathologies.
authors.forename: Laxmi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gella
authors.forename: Muneeswar Gupta
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Nittala
authors.affiliation: Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Raman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology*