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Intrasession test-retest variability of microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration
Zhichao Wu1, Lauren N Ayton, Robyn H Guymer
1Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Purpose:
To determine the intrasession test-retest variability of microperimetry in participants with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods:
This study consisted of two separate groups of subjects who had not performed microperimetry previously. In group 1, 30 AMD and 14 control participants performed three microperimetry examinations of a selected eye within one session (test 1 and 2, first pair; test 2 and 3, second pair). Follow-up examination at 6 months was available in 20 AMD participants in group 1, who performed two microperimetry examinations. In group 2, 71 AMD participants performed a short practice examination, then two microperimetry examinations of the right eye (test 1 and 2, first pair) and two of the left eye (test 3 and 4, second pair).
Results:
There was a significant improvement in average point-wise sensitivity (PWS) between the first pair of examination in both groups (P < 0.001), but not in the subsequent pair (P ≥ 0.774). This improvement was not observed at the follow-up visit in the subset of AMD participants in group 1 (P = 0.433). The PWS coefficient of repeatability (CoR) for the second pair of examinations was ± 4.12 dB and ± 4.37 dB for AMD participants for group 1 and 2 respectively.
Conclusions:
A significant increase in sensitivity between the first and second test, but not in the subsequent tests, was found for participants who had not performed microperimetry previously. Intrasession test-retest variability can therefore be minimized by discarding the first examination to avoid the influence of a learning effect.
Insights
Discarding the initial microperimetry test minimizes variability in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. This approach accounts for learning effects, improving the reliability of point-wise sensitivity measurements in AMD assessments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Visual Science
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Accurate and reliable visual field testing is crucial for monitoring AMD progression and treatment efficacy.
- Microperimetry assesses retinal sensitivity, providing valuable data for AMD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intrasession test-retest variability of microperimetry in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- To identify potential learning effects influencing microperimetry results in novice participants.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of participants, including AMD patients and controls with no prior microperimetry experience, underwent repeated testing within a single session.
- Examinations were conducted in pairs to assess test-retest reliability.
- A subset of AMD participants had a follow-up examination at 6 months.
Main Results:
- A significant improvement in average point-wise sensitivity (PWS) was observed between the first pair of tests (P < 0.001) but not subsequent pairs (P ≥ 0.774).
- This learning effect was not evident at the 6-month follow-up.
- The coefficient of repeatability (CoR) for PWS in the second pair of examinations was ± 4.12 dB (Group 1 AMD) and ± 4.37 dB (Group 2 AMD).
Conclusions:
- A learning effect influences initial microperimetry results in individuals new to the test.
- Discarding the first microperimetry examination can minimize intrasession test-retest variability.
- This strategy enhances the reliability of PWS measurements for monitoring AMD.
