Aniseikonia associated with epiretinal membranes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Visual Science
• Optometry

Background:

• Aniseikonia, a visual distortion, can impact patient quality of life.
• Epiretinal membranes (ERM) may influence binocular vision and aniseikonia.
• Accurate measurement of aniseikonia is crucial for understanding its effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate and assess the reliability of a computerized aniseikonia test (NAT).
• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of aniseikonia in patients with ERM and good visual acuity.

Main Methods:

• A computerized version of the NAT was used to measure horizontal and vertical aniseikonia.
• Test validity was assessed using size lenses to induce aniseikonia.
• Test-retest reliability was evaluated in individuals with and without ERM.

Main Results:

• The NAT demonstrated high correlation coefficients and slope values, indicating validity.
• Repeatability coefficients confirmed the test's reliability for measuring aniseikonia.
• Aniseikonia was present in ERM patients, ranging from 4% to 14%, with significant horizontal and vertical differences in some cases.

Conclusions:

• The computerized NAT is a simple, fast, valid, and reliable method for measuring aniseikonia.
• Aniseikonia is a common finding in symptomatic ERM patients.
• The impact of ERM on perceived image size is variable across the affected retina.