High Resolution Imaging of Retina Cells and Blood Vessels to Study Retinal Diseases

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the detailed structure and function of the normal and diseased retina to improve detection, diagnosis, and treatment of retinal diseases like Stargardts, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Age-related Macular Degeneration, Choroideremia, and Geographic Atrophy. The study uses a special imaging tool called an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope AOSLO to capture high-resolution images of the retina at a cellular level. The main goal is to compare these images between people with and without retinal diseases by examining cell density, size, spacing, and the arrangement of the cone photoreceptor mosaic and other retinal layers. Participants include two groups one with retinal degeneration and vision abnormalities, and a control group without these conditions. Both groups undergo retinal imaging procedures such as adaptive optics imaging, optical coherence tomography, and fundus photography. Vision tests including microperimetry, visual fields, and visual acuity assessments are also performed. The study mainly involves an initial visit lasting one day for these imaging and vision assessments. During their participation, subjects will have their retina imaged with the AOSLO and other imaging methods to produce detailed pictures of retinal cells and layers. Researchers will analyze these images to study differences in retinal structure. Measurements like cone mosaic parameters are taken during the initial visit. The study allows for long-term follow-up with participants aged 7 and older to understand retinal changes over time. All procedures are non-invasive and carefully monitored by study personnel.

High Resolution Retinal Imaging