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Topical fundus pulsation measurements in age-related macular degeneration
L Schmetterer1, A Kruger, O Findl
1Institute of Medical Physics, University of Vienna, Austria.
Background:
The purpose of the present study was to investigate regional fundus pulsations in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients with subretinal neovascular membranes.
Methods:
Local fundus pulsation amplitudes (FPAs) were measured in 12 patients with AMD with classic neovascular membranes. Measurements were performed directly on the membrane and adjacent to the membrane. FPAs were assessed with a recently developed laser interferometric method. FPA measurements were performed in 12 healthy subjects at similar posterior pole locations.
Results:
In AMD patients FPAs were consistently lower when measured directly on the neovascular membrane ("inside") than at measurement sites around the membrane ("outside"). The difference in FPA was 26 +/- 3% (mean +/- SEM, range 13-40%, P < 0.0001). In healthy subjects, however, FPAs were significantly higher at the measurement points corresponding to "inside" points (15 +/- 4%, P < 0.0006).
Conclusions:
We have shown that FPAs are reduced at classic neovascular membranes in patients with AMD. The mechanism behind this finding remains unclear. Hence, future studies have to ascertain whether this observation is associated with changes in fundus layers or with local choroidal perfusion abnormalities.
Insights
Fundus pulsation amplitudes (FPAs) are reduced in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients with subretinal neovascular membranes. This finding suggests potential changes in fundus layers or local choroidal perfusion in AMD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Subretinal neovascular membranes are a hallmark of advanced AMD.
- Understanding fundus pulsations may offer insights into AMD pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional fundus pulsations in AMD patients.
- To compare fundus pulsation amplitudes (FPAs) in patients with and without neovascular membranes.
Main Methods:
- Measured local FPAs in 12 AMD patients with classic neovascular membranes.
- Utilized a laser interferometric method for FPA assessment.
- Compared measurements on and adjacent to neovascular membranes, and in healthy subjects.
Main Results:
- FPAs were significantly lower directly on neovascular membranes (26% reduction) in AMD patients.
- Healthy subjects showed significantly higher FPAs at corresponding "inside" points (15% increase).
- Demonstrated a clear difference in FPAs between AMD patients and healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- FPAs are reduced at classic neovascular membranes in AMD.
- The underlying mechanism for reduced FPAs in AMD requires further investigation.
- Future studies should explore links to fundus layer changes or choroidal perfusion abnormalities.