Macular photostress testing: sensitivity and recovery with an automated perimeter.

Purpose: To describe a novel method for the evaluation of macular function with photostress testing and outline normative foveal threshold and recovery data for the adult population.

Methods: In this prospective study, 50 adult subjects (25 men and 25 women aged 30-49 years) with no ocular disease underwent foveal threshold testing using the Humphrey Visual Field Perimeter Model 750. Baseline values and recovery time after photostress were measured. Baseline measurements were compared with threshold sensitivity after photostress at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 minutes.

Results: Mean foveal sensitivities were reduced from 38.53 db to 32.36 db after photostress, representing an average sensitivity reduction of 16%. The mean recovery time to baseline sensitivity was 6.58 minutes. There was no significant difference between sexes, races, or smokers and nonsmokers.

Conclusions: This standardized protocol for testing the foveal threshold response to photostress is an inexpensive and noninvasive adjunct for following macular disease and also distinguishing optic neuropathy from macular disease.