Results of a multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the preferential hyperacuity perimeter for detection of age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract

To compare the preferential hyperacuity perimeter (PHP) with an Amsler grid in detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients underwent refraction, visual acuity examination, PHP, Amsler grid examination, and macular photography. One hundred fifty patients participated in the trial. Of 19 eyes with neovascular AMD, 19 (100%) were positive on the PHP, and 10 (53%), on the Amsler grid. Of 27 eyes with geographic atrophy, 26 (96%) were positive on the PHP, and 12 (44%), on the Amsler grid. Of 20 eyes with intermediate AMD, 14 (70%) were positive on the PHP, and 4 (20%), on the Amsler grid. Of 51 eyes with early AMD, 21 (41%) were positive on the PHP, and 4 (8%), on the Amsler grid. Of 33 eyes with no AMD, 6 (18%) were positive on the PHP, and none, on the Amsler grid. Thus, 80 (68%) of 117 patients with AMD had a positive PHP, while 30 (26%) had positive results of Amsler grid examination (P < 0.001, McNemar test). The PHP had greater sensitivity, although with a relatively high rate of false-positive results for healthy individuals, than the Amsler grid in detecting AMD-related lesions.