Foveal densitometry in adult-onset diffuse drusen.

Abstract

We compared the results of foveal densitometry with results of other retinal function tests in five asymptomatic subjects with adult-onset diffuse drusen. All results of routine retinal function tests, including visual acuity, Rayleigh equation color matches, multiple static perimetry, electroretinography, and electro-oculography, were normal. All five subjects had decreased foveal cone photopigment density with densitometry, indicating an early dysfunction at the level of the foveal cone photoreceptors. Several functional defects may be responsible for the densitometric results in adult-onset diffuse drusen, including retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, foveal cone photoreceptor misalignment, and a reduction of the in situ foveal cone photopigment.