Blue-on-yellow perimetry with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope: small alterations in the central macula with aging

The sensitivity of short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) cone pathways was measu red in the central fields of 74 normal subjects, aged 17-86 yr, with health y maculas. The new fundus perimetry technique used a research scanning lase r ophthalmoscope with a small entrance pupil to present blue static perimet ry targets on a bright yellow background. Simultaneous infrared imaging aid ed target positioning and rapid assessment of potential pathology in elderl y subjects. Targets were positioned peripheral to fixation, avoiding both t he SWS-cone-free area and the peak macular pigment, determined in 11 subjec ts. Sensitivity declined 0.019 log unit per decade, while intraindividual v ariability across loci increased. The nasal-temporal asymmetry remained con stant. Sensitivity of older subjects was relatively less for the most centr al targets but was unrelated to transmission through macular pigment. Retin al changes with age occur to differing extents or at differing rates and ar e readily detectable in the central macula. (C) 2001 Optical Society of Ame rica.