Fixation pattern and macular sensitivity in eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: To investigate the effects of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on macular functional parameters obtained with fundus-related perimetry. Methods: 118 eyes of 98 consecutive patients with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD were evaluated with: best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS charts), fundus photography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Fundus- related perimetry (microperimetry; MP1, Nidek Technologies, Italy) was used to quantify macular retinal sensitivity and fixation pattern (location and stability). Results: Of 118 eyes: 77 (65%) had central, 18 (15%) poor central and 23 (20%) eccentric fixation; 40 (33%) had stable, 55 (47%) relatively unstable and 23 (20%) unstable fixation. In 43 eyes (36%) a dense central scotoma was found. Both visual acuity and angiographic classification of subfoveal CNV (occult vs classic) were significantly related to fixation pattern (location: p< .001; stability: p< .05) and macular sensitivity (p< .001). Conclusions: Evaluation of macular sensitivity and fixation pattern - using fundus- related perimetry - in eyes with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD offers new data about the mechanisms of visual impairment in AMD, and may help to improve patient selection and treatment options in eyes with this condition.