Frequency-of-seeing curves (psychometric functions) for perimetric stimuli in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: Frequency-of-seeing (FoS) curves (psychometric functions) for perimetric stimuli have been widely used in computer simulations of new visual field test procedures. FoS curves for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are not available in the literature and are needed for the development of improved microperimetry test procedures, which are of particular interest for use as clinical trial endpoints. Methods: Data were refitted from a previous study to generate FoS curves for 20 participants with AMD, each tested at nine locations within the central 10 degrees. Stimulus parameters, background luminance and dB scale were matched to the MAIA-2 microperimeter, and stimuli were presented in a method of constant stimuli to build up FoS curves over multiple runs. FoS curves were fitted with a modified cumulative Gaussian function. The relationship between sensitivity and slope of fitted FoS curves was modelled by robust linear regression, producing models both with and without an eccentricity parameter. Results: FoS curves were satisfactorily fitted to data from 174 visual field locations in 20 participants (age 65-83 years, 11 female). Each curve was made up of a median of 243 (range 177-297) stimulus presentations over a median of 12 (range 9-32) levels. Median sensitivity was 25.5 dB (range 3.8-31.4 dB). The median slope (SD of fitted function) was 1.6 dB (range 0.5-8.5 dB). As in previous studies of other conditions, the slope of fitted FoS curves increased as sensitivity decreased (p < 0.001). Conclusions: FoS are provided for participants with AMD, as well as models of the relationship between sensitivity and slope. These fitted models and data may be useful for computer simulation studies of microperimetry procedures. Full details of the fitted curves are provided as supporting information.