Objective
To assess contrast sensitivity in relation to different Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) abnormalities in diabetic patients.
Method
Forty five diabetic patients underwent fluorescein angiography to study morphologic changes, namely FAZ diameter and regularity of perifoveal capillary network using mid phase frames. A grading scheme was used to study both features. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to FAZ morphologic features. Contrast sensitivity testing was done in all patients in four spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles/degree [c/deg]). The significance of difference between groups concerning contrast sensitivity values was assessed.
Results
Reduction of contrast sensitivity at 6 c/deg was significantly related to increased FAZ diameter (p=0.01), while reduction at 6 c/deg and 12 c/deg was significantly related to disturbed FAZ outline (p=0.002)
Conclusions
Contrast sensitivity could be a clinical adjunct in diagnosing early ischemic diabetic maculopathy. (Rawal Med J 2009; 34: 51-53).
Key words: Contrast sensitivity, diabetes, foveal avascularzone, ischemic maculopathy.
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