Photoreceptor-Specific Loss of Perifoveal Temporal Contrast Sensitivity in Retinitis Pigmentosa

• DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.6.27
• Publication Date: 2020-05-27T23:36:10Z
• Authors: Cord Huchzermeyer; Julien Fars; Jan Kremers
• Keywords: Electroretinography

Purpose: Inherited retinal diseases affect the L-, M-, S-cones and rods in distinct ways, which calls for new methods that enable quantification of photoreceptor-specific functions. We tested feasibility using silent substitution paradigm to estimate photoreceptor-driven temporal contrast sensitivity (tCS) functions patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: The is based on lights different spectral composition; this offers considerable advantage over other stimulation techniques. used a four-primary LED stimulator create perifoveal annular stimuli (2° inner, 12° outer diameters) triple probe photoreceptor-selective tCS. Measurements were performed heterogeneous cohort 15 pigmentosa related those control group nine color-normal healthy observers. Age differences between groups addressed model age-related normal derived from measurements 20 observers aged 23 83 years. Results: loss tCS amounted 0.1 dB/year subjects across all photoreceptor subtypes. In patients, was decreased every subtype; however, S-cone- rod-driven sensitivities most strongly affected. Postreceptoral mechanisms not Conclusions: This study provides evidence technique enables estimation can serve as an accurate biomarker Translational Relevance: aim develop tests visual function clinical trials novel therapies inherited currently be only vision research labs.