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Yellow-blue sensitivity a significant predictor of AMD, disease progression
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DENVER – Photopic yellow-blue Color Assessment and Diagnosis test was able to improve the detection rate of age-related macular degeneration by 25%, according to a study presented here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in Denver.
As previous studies have found associated visual function loss, Matilda Biba, PhD, conducted a study to ascertain the most effective tests for the identification and surveillance of AMD.
"In the U.K., aside from ophthalmological findings, the gold standard test that we really rely on to inform our decision as to whether to refer a patient for AMD is visual acuity measurements," she said. "It's probably not the best test to inform our clinical practice."
The study included 71 subjects, which encompassed 45 control eyes and 52 eyes with active AMD, she said.
Participants underwent an assessment that included contrast sensitivity, high contrast acuity, flicker sensitivity, macular pigment optical density and chromatic sensitivity using the Color Assessment and Diagnosis test under photopic and mesopic conditions.
Of the various tests, Biba found that the photopic yellow-blue chromatic sensitivity test significantly improved predictive accuracy.
"Yellow-blue sensitivity assessed under mesopic conditions, with the added value of the visual acuity assessments that we already do in clinic, improves our predictive ability by 23%," she said. "So, 23 in every 100 patients are correctly diagnosed with AMD.
"And if we look at yellow-blue sensitivity under photopic conditions, this was extended to improve our predictability by 25%."
She also found that the test improved predictive accuracy specifically for early AMD.
"When we look at yellow-blue sensitivity under photopic conditions with the added visual acuity assessment, it increases our predictability by 9%, and this is translated to 15% if we look at yellow-blue sensitivity under mesopic conditions," Biba said.
She noted that the test has the potential to expedite diagnosis but also allow clinicians to quantifiably supervise AMD progression and treatments in patients. Biba presented a case study in which she evaluated a patient who presented with AMD.
She concluded: "With the disease progression, there is a positive correlation with yellow-blue chromatic sensitivity." – by Chelsea Frajerman
Disclosure: The author has nothing to disclose.