Age-related macular degeneration: Filter lenses help in certain situations

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the ability of different filter lenses to enhance the contrast sensitivity of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A total of 32 patients with non-exudative AMD and no other significant eye diseases underwent the study tests using their optimal correction. We used Hyvärinen's contrast sensitivity tests with 100%, 10%, 5%, 2.5% and 1.25% charts. All the tests were made without filter lenses and with the Corning 527 and LVI 527 lenses. Results: With the 100% charts, there was a slight tendency towards contrast sensitivity improvement with LVI filter lenses, but the degree of improvement was not statistically significant. With the 10% charts, contrast sensitivity improved significantly with LVI 527 filter lenses, but not with Corning 527 lenses. It was not possible to perform statistical analyses of the results with the 5%, 2.5% and 1.25% charts. Conclusion: Use of LVI filter lenses may improve contrast sensitivity in certain situations in patients with AMD.