Correlation Between Functional Vision Tests and in vivo Images of Retinal Diseases Obtained With the UC–Davis Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscope

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The UC Davis Adaptive Optics (AO) Ophthalmoscope is a high–resolution, flood–illuminated system that has two goals: (1) To image retina with various retinal degenerative conditions to see if the photoreceptors are affected in these eyes. In many cases, it provides a unique opportunity to observe the retina at the cellular level in living diseased eyes. (2) To test how well AO–corrected retinal images correlate with other diagnostic tests that are being used clinically and psychophysically. Methods: The UC Davis Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscope was used for in vivo imaging of the retina in patients. Two wavelengths (550 and 650 nm) were used for imaging over 7 mm pupils. Images were obtained from both affected and less affected retinal areas. Functional measurements included: mfERG, color vision, contrast sensitivity and visual fields. Results: Patients who had unequivocal diagnosis for retinal degenerative conditions, such as cone–rod dystrophy or retinitis pigmentosa showed irregularities in their retinal images. Extensive areas of dark space between groups of photoreceptors was observed, which may have been caused by either missing or non–functioning cones. There was a correlation between functional loss in the retina and the extent to which the irregularities occurred in retinal images in these patients. Conclusions: The AO Ophthalmoscope can be a reliable and powerful tool to assess the health of the retina. By incorporating this imaging modality, especially in cases where psychophysical tests lead to ambiguous or borderline results, could facilitate diagnosis by direct in vivo visualization of the photoreceptor layer. Commercial Relationship: None Grant Identification: NEI 014743, RPB

Keywords: photoreceptors • photoreceptors: visual performance • imaging/image analysis: clinical