The Macular Research Unit is developing a new visual function test to help people with Aged-related macular degeneration.

New Visual Function Test

People with age-related macular degeneration may soon benefit from a new study that seeks to provide a detailed measure of the progression of their condition.  Dr Peter Dimitrov, from Centre for Eye Research Australia’s Macular Research Unit, is researching a visual function test that looks at how the retina functions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

Doctors currently rely largely on qualitative and quantitative visual assessment of AMD specific fundus features, such as analysis of drusen (fatty deposits on the retina) to determine if AMD is progressing. 

But these measurements can lack adequate sensitivity in tracking changes sufficient to monitor disease progression.

“Already 112 people with no symptoms of AMD and more than 200 people with AMD have participated in the study,” Dr Dimitrov says. People are tested every six months.

The test measures visual capacities related to retinal function and health: ability to differentiate colours, perceive images at various spatiotemporal states and recover from bright light to ambient daylight and darkness.

Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in Australia.
 
Dr Dimitrov says the test will provide doctors an alternative and accurate measure of how their patient’s AMD is progressing.

“Such a tool would be beneficial for practitioners to monitor the disease and evaluate the effects of treatment,” he says.

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