Anomaloscope examination in macular gliosis, macular holes and central serous choroidopathy

Surgery for macular gliosis and macular holes has become increasingly successful with regard to anatomical outcome. Assessment of the damage to the receptors by these processes is still difficult, but is important in predicting functional outcome. Examination with the Nagel II or the Neitz OT anomaloscope was performed in 36 patients with macular gliosis, 23 patients with full-thickness macular holes and 47 patients with central serous choroidopathy. The anomaloscope matches were expressed as the quotient of anomaly. In macular gliosis the mid-matching point is usually 1.0; there is no pseudoprotanomaly. In macular holes the mid-matching point is 1.0 when visual acuity is 0.3 or greater; in eyes with lower visual acuity there may be signs of diminished red sensitivity, but anomaloscope examination becomes difficult. In central serous choroidopathy the mid-matching point is shifted towards red, and pseudoprotanomaly is present, even when visual acuity is normal. Diseases of the inner retina, in early stages, do not alter colour vision substantially, whereas diseases of the outer retina give rise to early colour vision deficiency. In macular gliosis and macular holes, anomaloscope examination enables estimation of macular receptor misalignment.