Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
08:54
Author Spotlight: Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathophysiology with QAF Workflow
Published on: May 26, 2023
2.1K
Using the Rate of Global and Pointwise Microperimetry Change to Predict Structural Conversion in Intermediate
Jeremy C K Tan1,2,3, Giovanni Montesano1,4, Charlotte Behning5
1Optometry and Visual Sciences, City St George's, University of London, London, UK.
Ophthalmology Science
|November 17, 2025
Summary
The rate of vision loss in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) predicts progression to late-stage AMD. Faster functional decline, measured by microperimetry, indicates a higher risk of developing advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Research
- Vision Science
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision, with intermediate AMD (iAMD) being a precursor stage.
- Functional decline in iAMD is typically assessed by microperimetry, measuring visual sensitivity.
- Predicting conversion to late-stage AMD is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the rate of global and pointwise microperimetry changes in iAMD patients.
- To assess the prognostic value of these functional changes for conversion to late-stage AMD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of longitudinal microperimetry data from 447 iAMD subjects in the MACUSTAR study.
- Assessment of global mean sensitivity regression and pointwise sensitivity regression.
- Evaluation of progression rates prior to structural conversion to late-stage AMD.
Main Results:
- Eyes that converted to late-stage AMD showed a significantly greater rate of global mean sensitivity loss (-1.05 dB/year vs. -0.30 dB/year).
- Both global and pointwise microperimetry progression rates were significantly associated with structural conversion (P < 0.0001).
- Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for predicting conversion ranged from 0.72 to 0.76.
Conclusions:
- The rate of functional decline, both globally and pointwise, is a strong predictor of structural conversion in iAMD.
- Trend-based pointwise analysis methods are valuable for assessing functional progression in iAMD.
- These findings support the use of microperimetry trends for monitoring iAMD progression.
