Brief plain language background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), causes loss of central vision because of damage to the macula – a tiny collection of light-sensitive cells found within the retina at the back of the eye.
AMD is the most common cause of permanent and severe sight loss in the UK, affecting around 600,000 people – this number is expected to more than double by 2050.
What problem/knowledge gap does it help address?
Currently, AMD is diagnosed through a combination of eye exams and imaging tests, which are time-consuming, complex and requiring substantial resource. These factors can contribute to delays in treatment for an already stretched NHS.
Diagnostic procedures may neglect additional sensory, motor or cognitive impairments that can typically occur with older age – one of the major risk factors for AMD.
Aim of the project
To develop a quick and simple computer test to assess vision and movement problems in people affected by AMD.
This project also aims to further the career progression of the applicant, as amongst other benefits, the findings could form the basis of future grant applications testing the methods in intermediate AMD.
Key procedures/objectives
Continuous psychophysics is a test/method that involves tracking a moving target on a screen, which allows for quick and accurate assessments of sensory, motor and cognitive deficits.
The research team will refine and verify this method for clinical cohorts by:
- Evaluating the method’s ability to identify sensory, motor, or cognitive deficits using computer simulations.
- Adapting the method to be used with three input devices: a computer mouse, an eye tracker, and a hand motion tracker.
- In participants without AMD, evaluating each device’s effectiveness in normal conditions and simulations of impaired visual, motor and cognitive function.
- In participants with AMD, validating the method’s ability to identify known sensory, motor and cognitive deficits.
Potential impact on people with sight loss
Developing a faster and more efficient diagnostic tool could reduce delays to treatment, ultimately slowing disease progression and protecting vision.
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