Impaired dark adaptation associated with a diseased bruch membrane in pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Purpose: To characterize dark adaptation in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a systemic disease leading to calcification of elastic tissue including the Bruch membrane. Methods: In this prospective case–control study, dark adaptation thresholds were measured using a Goldmann-Weekers dark adaptometer. Additional assessments included best-corrected visual acuity testing, contrast sensitivity, low luminance deficit, and vision-related quality of life. Results: Dark adaptation thresholds were significantly higher, and adaptation periods were prolonged in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (n = 35; 33 with 2 ABCC6 mutations) compared with controls (n = 35). The time to adapt 4 log units (20.6 ± 8.6 vs. 8.0 ± 1.3 minutes) and the mean dark adaptation threshold after 15 minutes (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.2 log units) were significantly different between patients and controls (both P
Source: RETINA - Category: Opthalmology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research