Understanding How Low Luminance Visual Deficit Progresses With Advancing Diabetic Macular Ischemia and Diabetic Retinopathy

Both BCVA and LLVA decline with DR progression; however, distinct LLD patterns have emerged across DR stages. In referable DR, LLD is larger as a result of LLVA decline, whereas in quiescent PDR smaller LLD reflects a greater decline in BCVA. These findings emphasize the nuanced relationship of LLD with photopic and mesopic visual functions, which decline in distinct patterns across DR stages. LLD may serve as a simple and practical tool for monitoring macular ischemia progression in diabetic eyes.