The location of eccentric fixation point in patients with central scotomas of various origin

Abstract

Aim to study the predominant localization of the eccentric fixation point in various types of macular pathology accompanied by the presence of a central scotoma. Material and methods. 94 eyes (90 people) with various macular pathologies leading to loss of central vision were examined. Fixation was recorded on several devices: an MP-1 and MP-3 microperimeter (Nidek Technologies, Italy) and a MAIA microperimeter (СenterVue, USA). To visualize and register the presence of macular pathology, all patients underwent optical coherence tomography using a Stratus OCT 3000 device (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., USA) and Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany). Results. The study revealed that in most cases the preferred retinal locus is positioned in the upper and upper-left sector around scotoma, regardless of the etiology. Conclusion. The preferred retinal locus in most cases is located in the upper-left area of the retina near the central scotoma, the projection of which is in the lower-left side of the visual field. Knowing the preferred retinal locus, a doctor can more successfully adapt a patient with the absence of central vision.