Study Evaluating Rod-Mediated Dark Adaptation and Daily Task Performance in Older Adults with Early and Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying older adults with early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration AMD, including those with subretinal drusenoid deposits SDD, as well as individuals with healthy eyes. The study aims to understand the relationship between rod photoreceptor function, measured by dark adaptation, and everyday tasks like reading under dim lighting. This cross-sectional, single timepoint study involves 200 participants classified by AMD severity to explore these visual performance associations. Participants will undergo a comprehensive eye exam and tests including rod-mediated dark adaptation, reading performance using the MNREAD chart, and mobility assessment with the Mobility Standardized Test MOST. A virtual reality headset called Streetlab VR will be used to simulate walking through a maze under different lighting conditions. The study collects detailed demographic and ocular history data and includes participants with early AMD, intermediate AMD, geographic atrophy, or healthy maculas. Participants will attend a single visit lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours during which all tests are performed. Researchers will analyze eye imaging results, such as ellipsoid zone band attenuation, and correlate these with functional measures like reading and mobility. The study is designed to detect meaningful associations between rod function and daily task performance, with ongoing monitoring and data collection completed by early 2028.

AMD and Validation Rod-Meditated Dark Adaptation With Everyday Task Performance