New Technology For Detecting Wet Macular Degeneration
| New Technology For Detecting Wet Macular Degeneration |
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| Date: July 16, 2006 | |
The Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter, PHP, is a Visual Field Analyzer designed specifically for monitoring disease progression in patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration, AMD. The PHP technology provides an unsurpassed level of sensitivity in detecting recent-onset "wet" macular degeneration and differentiating it from the intermediate "dry" stage of macular degeneration. The PHP is the first instrument specifically designed to identify advancing Age-related Macular Degeneration. There are two forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Wet macular degeneration accounts for 90% of all blindness from macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration occurs when a patient with the dry form develops new, abnormal blood vessels that grow beneath the retina. Because of the rapid growth of these blood vessels, successful treatment of wet macular degeneration can, in many cases, be determined in a matter of days. It involves laser photocoagulation of the abnormal blood vessels. Detection early in the growth phase is mandatory for success. Unfortunately, 80% of patients with wet macular degeneration arrive too late. The PHP is sensitive enough to detect lesions at a size of 125 microns. This level of growth is well before vision loss occurs allowing for prompt referral and treatment by a retinal specialist. The abnormal vessels grow at a rate of 20 microns per/day (1000 microns equals 1mm). By the time vision loss has prompted a patient to seek evaluation the average size of these lesions is 3300 microns. Therefore, routine evaluation (2-4 times a year) with the PHP in patients with dry macular degeneration can dramatically reduce the incidence of vision loss associated with abnormal blood vessel growth that characterizes the wet form. Experts agree the PHP provides unsurpassed levels of sensitivity and specificity in detecting wet macular degeneration. The instrument combines patient-interactive software with a simple touch screen system that takes about fifteen minutes per/eye. It never touches the eye so there is no discomfort and the test does not require dilation. Since early detection is crucial to successful treatment outcomes with wet macular degeneration, routine testing with the PHP provides a much improved way to monitor patients. If you have macular degeneration, or a family history of this vision threatening condition, call our offices for more information on this new technology. We can be reached at 405-372-1715 in Stillwater, and 918-762-2573 in Pawnee. |
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