VISUAL FUNCTION MEASURES IN EARLY AND INTERMEDIATE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate 1) the feasibility of performing computerized tests of low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), cone-specific contrast (Cone Contrast Test [CCT]), contrast sensitivity, and microperimetry and 2) the test-retest repeatability of these outcomes in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 30 subjects at a single site (8 controls, 8 early AMD, and 12 intermediate AMD). Subjects underwent LLVA, contrast sensitivity, CCT, and microperimetry with eye tracking. Low luminance deficit was defined as best-corrected visual acuity minus LLVA in EDTRS letters. Follow-up testing was administered at approximately 1 month. RESULTS: There was high test-retest repeatability at one month for all visual function metrics (intraclass correlations >0.7) except log contrast sensitivity (intraclass correlations 0.6). Compared with controls, patients with intermediate AMD showed significant deficits on best-corrected visual acuity, LLVA, low luminance deficit, percent-reduced threshold on microperimetry, and red CCT (P < 0.05), but not on contrast sensitivity, green and blue CCT. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the feasibility and reliability of using LLVA, microperimetry, and CCT in early dry AMD. Our data suggest these measures can be used as alternative future clinical trial endpoints. A larger, prospective natural history study of alternative visual function measures in dry AMD is warranted.