AMD and Validating Rod-Mediated Dark Adaptation With Everyday Task Performance

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the relationship between rod-mediated dark adaptation and everyday task performance, such as reading under dim light, in older adults with early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including those with subretinal drusenoid deposits, as well as in individuals with normal eye health. The study involves a cross-sectional design conducted at two sites with a total of 200 participants classified by AMD severity using the AREDS system. This research aims to understand how AMD severity affects these visual functions important for daily activities. Participants are grouped based on their diagnosis: early AMD, intermediate AMD, geographic atrophy, or healthy controls. The study includes comprehensive eye exams and uses a virtual reality headset called Streetlab VR to simulate walking through a maze at various light levels. The main study assessments include measuring rod-mediated dark adaptation, reading ability with the MNREAD chart, mobility through the Mobility Standardized Test, and evaluation of ellipsoid zone loss in the retina. Individuals will attend a single study visit lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours, during which all visual and mobility tests will be performed. Researchers will collect detailed demographic information, ocular history, and medication use. Outcomes measured include the extent of ellipsoid zone attenuation and performance on dark adaptation, reading, and mobility tasks. The study will analyze correlations between these measures across participant groups. Total participation involves only this one-time visit, with safety and data monitored throughout the study period ending in 2027.

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