Despite recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), precise characterization of the disease phenotype remains elusive. In both diseases, much of the focus has necessarily been on the loss of cone function, since visual fields, acuity and contrast sensitivity are typically measured under photopic conditions. In RP, we need a greater understanding of patterns of rod loss since most disease-causing mutations affect primarily rods. In AMD, recent findings have shown that scotopic sensitivity can be much more affected than conventional photopic measurements such as visual acuity. For patients, however, it is difficult to maintain stable fixation, especially when central vision is compromised. A new fundus-guided microperimeter, the MP-3S, has been developed by Nidek, Inc. to circumvent this problem. The investigators will evaluate the value of this device for following rod and cone loss in patients with either RP or AMD.
