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Localised relative scotoma in cuticular drusen
Jason Charng1,2, Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam1,3, Mary S Attia1
1Centre of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), University of Western Australia, 2 Verdun Street, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
Summary
Eyes with cuticular drusen show relative scotoma, but overall retinal sensitivity remains unaffected. Pointwise sensitivity is a better indicator for assessing visual function in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Visual Electrophysiology
Background:
- Cuticular drusen are deposits under the retinal pigment epithelium.
- Early detection of functional changes is crucial for managing retinal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in retinal sensitivity in eyes affected by pure cuticular drusen.
- To compare functional deficits in cuticular drusen patients with age-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of multimodal imaging and microperimetry (37-loci grid) data.
- Comparison of mean sensitivity in the cuticular drusen cohort to age-matched normal eyes.
- Creation of an age- and loci-specific normative reference for localized sensitivity deviation analysis.
Main Results:
- The cuticular drusen cohort (n=27) exhibited a mean of 5.5 loci with relative scotoma compared to normal eyes (n=80).
- No statistically significant difference in mean retinal sensitivity was found between the cuticular drusen cohort and controls.
- Pointwise sensitivity analysis revealed significantly fewer deviations in the inner ring compared to the middle ring of the 37-loci grid in eyes with cuticular drusen.
Conclusions:
- Eyes with cuticular drusen present with relative scotoma, indicating localized visual field defects.
- Mean retinal sensitivity is not significantly altered, suggesting preserved overall function.
- Pointwise sensitivity measurements are more robust than mean sensitivity for evaluating retinal function in cuticular drusen and should be utilized in clinical practice and trials.
