It has been shown that reactions of human retinal photoreceptors to a light stimulus can be measured with custom-made, research prototype optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. This can be used as a biomarker for the function of the photoreceptors. Due to the high technical demands on the system, however, the technique is currently not available for clinical purposes. In this pilot study a protocol to measure changes in retinal photoreceptor layer thickness before and after light stimulation shall be developed based on a commercial OCT system and newly developed algorithms. Other variables, such as circadian processes shall be investigated as well. After measurements in healthy volunteers, the protocol is planned to be applied in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to test for feasibility of the method in these patient groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
35
Stimulation of the retina with white light
Medical University of Vienna, Department of Clinical Pharmacology
Vienna, Vienna, Austria
RECRUITINGLight stimulation
Optical path length changes between inner segment outer segment junction and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) will be measured with OCT in 15 healthy volunteers, 10 POAG patients and 10 AMD patients before and after light stimulation
Time frame: 1 day
Light stimulation of contralateral eye
Optical path length changes between inner segment outer segment junction and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) will be measured with OCT in 15 healthy volunteers, 10 POAG patients and 10 AMD patients before and after light stimulation in the contralateral eye
Time frame: 1 day
Difference in photoreceptor layer thickness over the course of 8 hours
Influence of circadian rhythm on the length of retinal photoreceptor outer segments
Time frame: 8 hours
En face maps
test an algorithm for production of en face maps of retinal photoreceptor outer segment length
Time frame: 1 day
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.