Evaluation of Retinal Visual Acuity Using SLO in Young Healthy Volunteers

ABSTRACT

We have attempted to measure parafoveal retinal acuity directly on the exact retinal locus, while observing the retinal image in real time using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope(SLO 101, Rodenstock, Munish, Germany). By the SLO Visumetry software(Rodenstock v. 3.0), thirty eyes of healthy volunteers were examined in 20degrees image field. Using Snellen E as stimulus, the examination was performed from the fovea by the radial pattern. The maximal retinal distance point, which responded to stimulus, was recorded by the pixel, and the distance(mm) from the fovea was calculated by the Bennett formula. The maximum distance from the fovea at the given stimulus size was achieved as follows 0.32+/-0.01mmat the 15 x15 arc of minute(0.333), 0.63+/-0.01mm at the 17 x17 arc of minute(0.294), 1.05+/-0.03 mmat 20 x 20 arc of minute(0.25), and 1.44+/-0.0 5 mmat the 23 x23 arc of minute(0.217). It was also revealed that the horizontal maximal distance from fovea at given stimulus size was statistically superior to the vertical maximal distance(p<0.05). In conclusion we were able to establish the normal range of parafoveal retinal acuity in healthy volunteers. It may serve as the baseline for subsequent study of retinal pathology and functional evaluation as well as its treatment.