Longitudinales Monitoring der Netzhautfunktion bei altersabhängigen Veränderungen der Makula unter Berücksichtigung des Spontanverlaufes und von therapeutischen Eingriffen (Multifocal electroretinography in age-related macular degeneration: Monitoring of

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Multifocal ERG (MfERG) allows an objective assessment and topographical mapping of retinal function over the central visual field. Findings of the normal control group were extended particularly for the subjects of 50 years to differentiate ageing changes from those due to AMD. The AMD subgroups were increased in sample size. They revealed statistically significant differences from the control group and in part from each other. Based on our first results the sample size of the patients will be increased further particularly for those groups with a small sample size. Fixation will be monitored using a fundus camera to exclude effects on retinal responses particularly when visual acuity is significantly reduced. To study the long-term effects on retinal function longitudinal follow-up examinations will be continued and extended for different subgroups of AMD. They should help to identify prognostic factors and risk factors for a limited outcome. The recordings will be performed longitudinally prior to and after therapeutic intervention (photodynamic therapy [PDT], macular surgery) to determine the effects of therapeutic modalities on local retinal function. Our results suggest a decrease in response densities after several PDT-treatments. Extension of the follow-up may help to evaluate possible treatment-related side effects on retinal function. Therapeutic modalities are limited in particular due to the loss of photoreceptors. Further, an increase in follow up and sample size of the untreated group may help to differentiate AMD-related effects from treatment related effects. A longitudinal study of retinal function by MfERG may help to determine the point of irreversible damage of photoreceptor function making successful therapeutic intervention difficult. Therefore, to determine changes in retinal function by MfERG will help to explain success or failure in patients undergoing therapy.