Study Using Adaptive Optics Retinal Imaging to Understand Outer Retinal Diseases and Develop New Diagnostic Tools

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating outer retinal diseases, which affect parts of the eye such as photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium, basement membrane, or choroid. The study aims to collect detailed retinal images using adaptive optics to develop new diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and clinical endpoints. Both healthy volunteers and individuals with these diseases are included to support the comparison and understanding of retinal changes over time. Participants will undergo imaging with advanced adaptive optics devices that combine scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography. These systems capture high-resolution videos of retinal cells while correcting for eye-related distortions. Imaging will focus on several key areas in the macula and will be repeated over a three-year period to track changes in retinal cell structure and function. During the study, participants will receive imaging sessions where measurements such as photoreceptor density, retinal pigment epithelial cell density, organelle movement, and photoreceptor function will be recorded. Some measurements will be repeated to assess consistency. The study monitors these cellular features to better understand disease progression and to aid future therapy development. Participation may last up to three years with periodic imaging visits.

Adaptive Optics Imaging of Outer Retinal Diseases