Abstract

We are investigating techniques to quickly and noninvasively measure foveal cone photopigment optical density. Since the foveal cones provide the best visual acuity and color vision, it is important to assess their health in many retinal diseases. In some cases, such as patients with retinal detachments, there is the possibility of recovery of visual function following reattachment, and the prognosis for a given patient can be unclear. In these and other diseases, visual acuity or fixation can be too poor to use other techniques, such as color matching or increment threshold for small targets. Thus, a rapid, clinically useful technique could help in the understanding of mechanisms of recovery and help with prognosis for a given patient. Thus, we present our current retinal densitometry technique, data for 7 normal (male) observers, and data for 4 patients with retinal tears and detachments. We discuss the potential benefits and weaknesses, and future developments, of this technique.

© 1992 Optical Society of America