[Influence of cutoff filters on reading behavior in age-related macular degeneration].

BACKGROUND

Cutoff filters may improve contrast sensitivity in different retinal dystrophies and therefore lead to improved visual function. We investigated whether cutoff filters result in improved reading ability in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

Reading performance was examined in 22 patients with AMD aged 63-91 years (visual acuity 0.1-0.5) using the Radner reading charts. These charts were presented in random order either with or without cutoff filters (Zeiss CF 540 and CF 580) monocularly to the better eye using a defined luminance of the test charts of 105 cd/m(2).

RESULTS

Using the CF 540 cutoff filter, there was no significant change in visual acuity while there was a tendency to decrease. Calculating the LogRAD score, which takes reading errors into account, three patients improved by one line, while nine deteriorated, six of them by one line or more. There was no significant improvement using the CF 580 compared to either the CF 540 or to normal reading glasses.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we found no measurable improvement using the CF 540 cutoff filter. The cutoff filter CF 580, tested for additional comparison, did not show any advantage.