Quantification of Metamorphopsia Using a Smartphone-Based Hyperacuity Test in Patients With Idiopathic Epiretinal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology
• Vision Science

Background:

• Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) cause visual distortion (metamorphopsia), often underestimated clinically.
• Current assessment methods (visual acuity, OCT) inadequately reflect functional vision and metamorphopsia severity.
• A need exists for reliable tools to quantify metamorphopsia for improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a novel smartphone-based hyperacuity test (SHT) for quantifying metamorphopsia in iERM patients.
• To compare SHT performance with a conventional printed chart before and after surgery.
• To evaluate SHT's utility in clinical decision-making and telemedicine.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 27 iERM patients undergoing vitrectomy.
• Smartphone-based hyperacuity test (SHT) and M-chart tests performed pre- and post-surgery.
• Analysis of metamorphopsia scores, visual acuity, OCT biomarkers, and subjective perception.

Main Results:

• SHT scores significantly improved post-surgery (55.2 to 63.5, P<.001).
• M-chart scores showed insignificant improvement (MH P=.06, MV P=.36).
• Both SHT and M-chart demonstrated good reliability (ICC >0.75).

Conclusions:

• SHT is a valuable tool for quantifying visual distortion in iERM patients.
• SHT offers a practical, accessible solution for monitoring metamorphopsia, especially in telemedicine.
• The SHT can aid surgical decision-making and potentially reduce unnecessary patient visits.