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Updated: May 1, 2026
Morphometric Analyses of Retinal Sections
Published on: February 19, 2012
In-Depth Retinal Sensitivity Assessment With the MP3 Type S Microperimeter: A Methods Study
Thales A C de Guimaraes1,2, Isabela M C de Guimaraes3, Naser Ali2
1UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
Purpose:
Retinal sensitivity is frequently listed as an end point in clinical trials, often with long working practices. The purpose of this methods study was to provide a new workflow and reduced test time for in-depth characterization of retinal sensitivity.
Methods:
A workflow for the MP3-S microperimeter with detailed functional characterization of the retina under photopic, mesopic, and scotopic conditions was evaluated. Grids of 32 and 28 test positions for photopic/mesopic and scotopic, respectively, were tested in 12 healthy individuals and compared with an established 68-point grid for test time, mean sensitivity (MS), and bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA).
Results:
The mean test time (range; ±SD) was 10.5 minutes (8.4-14.9; ±2.0) in the 68-point grid and 4.3 minutes (3.8-5.0; ±0.4) in the 32-point grid, which was significantly different (P < 0.0001). The mean of difference in test time (±SD; 95% confidence interval) was 6.1 minutes (±2.0; 4.6-7.6). MS and BCEA were significantly correlated between grids (r = 0.89 and 0.74; P = 0.0005 and 0.014, respectively). Mean test time of subjects who underwent the full protocol (n = 4) was 2.15 hours.
Conclusions:
The protocol suggested herein appears highly feasible with in-depth characterization of retinal function under different testing conditions and in a short test time.
Translational Relevance:
The protocol described herein allows for characterization of the retina under different testing conditions and in a short test time, which is relevant due to its potential for patient prognostication and follow-up in clinical settings and also given its increasing role as a clinical trial end point.
