Age related maculopathy with foveal sparing

Abstract

Visual loss from age related maculopathy (ARM) is thought to involve foveal regions but in this case foveal sparing is reported consistent with a paradoxical performance and symptoms. The fundus view, manifest foveation, better than expected acuity, a blue-yellow colour loss and an intact central visual field support the likelihood of foveal sparing. We suggest that the detection and classification of ARM patients should consider parafoveal integrity by assessing colour vision, contrast sensitivity to medium and low spatial frequencies, and macular perimetry as well as acuity and fundus changes. The prognosis for continued foveal survival greater than four years is poor and patients with foveal sparing should be given a guarded prognosis.