[Fundus oriented microperimetry with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope in age-induced macular degeneration]

The indication of laser therapy of subretinal neovascularization is based on the visual acuity and the localization and extension of subretinal membranes. However, laser therapy based on these guide-lines, repeatedly leads to disappointing results as functional effects of neovascularizations on the central visual field and fixation are not considered. With fundus-controlled scanning laser microperimetry we examined light sensitivity and fixation in areas of subretinal neovascularization of 33 patients suffering from beginning (n = 8), advanced (n = 17) or hemorrhagic (n = 8) neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. 14 out of 17 patients with signs of advanced and all patients with hemorrhagic neovascularization had absolute scotoma in the affected area. In each of the patients suffering from beginning neovascularization we found relative scotomas and preserved central fixation, even in subfoveal membrane localization. The role of scanning laser microperimetry in the indication of laser therapy in age-related macular degeneration is discussed.