Macular function surveillance revisited.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology
• Vision Science

Background:

• The Amsler grid is standard for evaluating central visual fields and detecting exudative maculopathy.
• Daily Amsler grid use aims for early detection of choroidal neovascularization, improving therapeutic outcomes.
• Limitations of the Amsler grid include low sensitivity and patient compliance issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review historical and current methods for home self-monitoring of macular function.
• To compare the efficacy of various macular monitoring techniques against the conventional Amsler grid.

Main Methods:

• Review of macular function surveillance history.
• Discussion of current and developing home self-monitoring techniques: Amsler grid variations, entoptic perimetry, preferential hyperacuity perimetry, and internet-based interventions.

Main Results:

• Several technologies demonstrate superior sensitivity compared to the conventional Amsler grid for detecting early macular disease symptoms.
• Threshold Amsler grid, entoptic perimetry, and preferential hyperacuity perimetry are more sensitive in identifying vision disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Advanced diagnostic tests offer improved sensitivity over the standard Amsler grid for early macular disease detection.
• Technologies like threshold Amsler grid, entoptic perimetry, and preferential hyperacuity perimetry are suitable for home self-monitoring.
• Internet deployment of these technologies could enhance patient accessibility for self-monitoring macular function.