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

Purpose: To compare the preferential hyperacuity perimeter (PHP) with an Amsler grid in detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Patients underwent refraction, visual acuity examination, PHP, Amsler grid examination, and macular photography.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: 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.