Digital nullification of visual distortion to quantify metamorphopsia: A pilot study

Abstract

Background and Objective: To evaluate a novel digital method of metamorphopsia quantification in patients with symptomatic visual distortion as determined by M-CHARTS. Patients and Methods: In this institutional review board-approved, prospective, cross-sectional observational study, subjects were presented with an objectively straight dotted line that bisects a central fixation point. The subjects digitally altered the line's contour until it appeared straight. Calculation of the area between the original objectively straight line presented to the subject and their newly manipulated line was performed to determine the manipulated area under the curve (M-AUC). Results: Sixty-two percent of test targets were fully or significantly straightened by affected subjects. M-AUC was significantly correlated with MCHARTS scores in both the horizontal (P < .001) and vertical (P = .05) orientations. Conclusions: The deformation of an objectively straight line by a subject with metamorphopsia may be a viable way of both quantifying and spatially characterizing visual distortions.