Extrafoveal photostress recovery testing with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope

We used a modified photostress recovery test (PSRT) with microperimetry in a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) to evaluate the extrafoveal region. After the red-target threshold was determined, the retina was bleached with argon green laser illumination. Test spots were presented every 3 seconds at the testing point and subjects indicated when they saw the spot. We determined the recovery time in 17 normal subjects under the following conditions: bleaching times of 10, 20, and 30 seconds; spot intensities of 0, 2, and 4 dB greater than threshold; Goldmann I, II, and III spots; and spot locations 7.5°temporal to, nasal to, above and below the fovea, and at the fovea. We also measured recovery times inside and outside the detachment in 11 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy. Recovery time was correlated with bleaching time and spot intensity, but not with the location of spot size in normal subjects. In patients with chorioretinopathy, the recovery time was longer inside than outside the detachment. This technique is useful for measurement of photostress recovery time at extrafoveal points, and for comparison of times at various testing points. Results in patients with chorioretinopathy suggest that this technique may be useful for studying the pathophysiology in ocular diseases.