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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Multifocal Electroretinograms
Published on: December 4, 2011
Impact of reticular pseudodrusen on microperimetry and multifocal electroretinography in intermediate age-related
Zhichao Wu1, Lauren N Ayton1, Galina Makeyeva1
1Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Purpose:
To examine the influence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) on retinal and visual function in intermediate AMD using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and microperimetry.
Methods:
In a prospective cross-sectional study, microperimetry and mfERG testing, followed by color fundus photography, near-infrared reflectance imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were performed in 120 eyes from 60 participants with bilateral intermediate AMD. The number of subfields with pigmentary changes and RPD within the central 3-mm diameter of the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid and drusen cube root volume within the central 3-mm diameter was determined. The influence of these pathological features on microperimetry and mfERG in this region were examined.
Results:
Microperimetric sensitivity was not significantly associated with the presence and extent of RPD (P = 0.068), but with drusen volume and extent of pigmentary changes (P < 0.001 for both). However, the presence and extent of RPD was independently and significantly associated with mfERG implicit time, along with drusen volume and the extent of pigmentary changes (P ≤ 0.023). The mfERG response amplitude was not significantly associated with the presence and extent of RPD (P = 0.130).
Conclusions:
The presence and extent of RPD was associated with functional changes on mfERG implicit time, but not mfERG response amplitude or microperimetry. These findings suggest that the presence of RPD in eyes with intermediate AMD has a significant influence on cone-mediated neuroretinal function, without a significant influence on mesopic visual function as determined on microperimetry.
Insights
Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) impacts cone function (mfERG implicit time) but not mesopic vision (microperimetry). This suggests RPD affects neuroretinal function without significantly altering visual sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Visual Neuroscience
Background:
- Intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by drusen and pigmentary changes.
- Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) are distinct macular findings associated with AMD progression.
- Understanding the functional impact of RPD is crucial for managing intermediate AMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) on retinal and visual function in intermediate AMD.
- To assess the relationship between RPD, drusen volume, pigmentary changes, and functional measures like mfERG and microperimetry.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study of 120 eyes from 60 participants with intermediate AMD.
- Utilized multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and microperimetry for functional assessment.
- Correlated RPD presence/extent with drusen volume and pigmentary changes using OCT and fundus imaging.
Main Results:
- Microperimetric sensitivity was associated with drusen volume and pigmentary changes, but not RPD.
- RPD presence/extent, drusen volume, and pigmentary changes were independently associated with mfERG implicit time.
- mfERG response amplitude was not significantly associated with RPD presence or extent.
Conclusions:
- RPD presence significantly influences cone-mediated neuroretinal function, as indicated by mfERG implicit time.
- RPD does not appear to significantly impact mesopic visual function measured by microperimetry in intermediate AMD.
- These findings highlight the specific functional consequences of RPD in intermediate AMD, particularly on neuroretinal pathways.
