Objective To study the significance of detection the short-term fluctuation (SF) of macular light threshold detected by Octopus-123 automatic perimeter in suspected early age-related macular dege-neration (AMD). Methods SF of macular light sensitivity, Amsler chart and central visual acuity were examined in 51 patients(66 eyes) with suspected early AMD group and in 32 patients (40 eyes) in the control group. Results SF were significantly different in suspected early AMD group and control group. SF was more sensitive than the examination of central visual acuity and Amsler chart. SF was related to the quantity, location and quality of drusen. Conclusion Visual function of some suspected early AMD patients with drusen may be damaged, though the central visual acuity appears normal. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 119-120)