Multimodal macula mapping: A new approach to study diseases of the macula

Multimodal macula mapping is presented as a combination of a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to examine the macular region in order to obtain information on its structure and function in a clinical environment. Foundations of macular mapping are reviewed and discussed. New methodologies for multimodal macula mapping based on a combination of scanning laser angiography, retinal leakage analysis, retinal thickness analysis, and visual field testing are presented, demonstrating the potential of macula mapping. Other available detection devices are briefly reviewed considering their potential to be included and utilized in future developments of multimodal macula mapping. Multimodal macula mapping appears to offer unique perspectives and insights that are expected to contribute to improved diagnosis and better understanding of macular diseases. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.