Rod and Cone Mediated Function in Retinal Disease

National Eye Institute

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Specific Aim 1: To establish the normal ranges of dark-adapted retinal sensitivities for the Medmont, and for RF hyperacuity function on the Display++ monitor in healthy volunteers. We have established normal range for the Medmont dark adaptometer and RF hyperacuity measures for the Display++. We amended this protocol to add new fundus-guided and non-guided perimeters to the protocol. Since the last review we have recruited 23 healthy volunteers to establish normal ranges for a range of tests (e.g. scotopic thresholds, ERG) on new instruments. Specific Aim 2: To establish the normal ranges for the kinetics of dark adaptation for the Medmont DAC blue and red stimuli in healthy volunteers. We have established the normal range for dark adaptation with the Medmont dark adaptometer. Since the last review we have recruited 16 healthy volunteers (subset of HV from Aim 1) to establish the normal range of dark adaptation for the MonCvONE perimeter. Specific Aim 3: To quantify local changes in rod and cone photoreceptor function across the retina in participants with retinal disease. We have studied rod function and dark adaptation, from seven members of a family with late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD). We have followed several members longitudinally and plan to continue following these patients. We developed a new test of rod function based on scotopic contour and shape discrimination (Flynn and Jeffrey, PMID: 30747948). Last year we published our results using this novel test to examine early changes in rod mediated function in participants with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) with or without reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). (Jeffrey BG et al. PMID: 35749129.)