Method and Apparatus for the Detection of Impaired Dark Adaptation

摘要

The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.

主权项

1. An apparatus for psychophysical measurement of dark adaptation in a test eye of a subject, said apparatus comprising:
a. a system for generating a target stimulus of a desired spectrum and intensity; b. a display for displaying said target stimulus to said test eye at a desired location, said display being in communication with said system; c. an input device to permit said subject to input a reaction of said subject to said target stimulus; and d. a controller in communication with said system, said display and said input device, said controller capable of controlling said system, recording at least one of the following: the reaction of said subject to said target stimulus, a time of said reaction, the intensity of said target stimulus at the time of said reaction and the spectrum of said target stimulus at the time of said reaction, and determining at least one threshold measurement or partial threshold curve from said recording; wherein said at least one threshold measurement or said partial threshold curve is predominately obtained in the second component of the rod mediated recovery.