Abstract
Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) could be present not only in the posterior pole but extramacular area also as a confluent morphological pattern. Thus RPD can be classified by the fundus distribution for the assessment of visual prognosis. The electrophysiological function in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), showing various fundus distribution were evaluated using full-field electroretinogram (ERG). Retinal distribution of RPD was divided into three types (localized, intermediate, and diffuse) according to the extent of involvement of retinal areas by fundus photograph montages. RPD were present with the diffuse type in 21 eyes (25.6%), with the intermediate type in 30 eyes (36.6%), and with the localized type in 31 eyes (37.8%). The average age was 74.76 ± 4.52 (range, 65–81) years in the diffuse type, 72.47 ± 9.13 (range, 55–91) years in the intermediate type, and 70.26 ± 7.77 (range, 61–89) years in the localized type. The mean amplitudes of the scotopic rod response, scotopic maximal combined response, oscillatory potentials (OP), photopic cone response, and 30Hz cone flicker response were more decreased in the diffuse, intermediate, and localized types in order, except for the photopic cone a-wave response. The diffuse type showed reduced amplitudes of ERG responses than the normal control group under all testing conditions except for the photopic a-wave response, and differences were statistically significant with the age restriction and adjustment methods (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.05). The mean implicit times of ERG responses were significantly delayed in the diffuse type in the photopic b-wave. (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.05). Extensive retinal involvement of RPD correlates with severely reduced electrophysiological retinal function. This acquired form of decreased electrophysiological function should be regarded as different from those of hereditary retinal degeneration.
Highlights
We evaluated the relation between fundus distribution and the electrophysiological function of retina in eyes with Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD)
All patients had color fundus photography and blue-channel examination, and 92.7% of patients had more than two imaging tests; 82.9% had spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT), 85.4% had infra-red imaging tests, and 76.8% had fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging (Table 1)
ERG responses were more reduced in the diffuse RPD distribution type, illustrating that retinal functional abnormalities were related to the size of the retinal area affected with RPD
Summary
It is probable that the presence of RPD is associated with abnormal retinal function, because deposits are located just beneath the sensory retina with partial disruption of photoreceptor outer segments,[4] and retinal distribution is often widespread with high density.[5] in a previous study about the retinal function using multifocal electroretinography in eyes with RPD, no definite influence was observed on electrophysiologic activity in areas with RPD.[10] On the contrary, it has been reported that RPD progression caused outer retinal atrophy and impairments in dark adaptation.[11, 12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
