Exploring visual pigment kinetics in AMD pathology

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Functional imaging of the outer retina using high fidelity imaging densitometry: exploring the relationship between visual pigment kinetics and AMD pathology

  • IRAS ID

    289303

  • Contact name

    Krishna Pattni

  • Contact email

    PattniK@cardiff.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cardiff University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 5 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    The aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of the features seen in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (such as fatty deposits known as drusen and reticular pseudodrusen) and their effect on the functioning of the outer retina (the light detecting layer at the back of the eye). This will be achieved by using a technique known as imaging retinal densitometry (a specialised camera) to provide a direct, objective assessment of the functioning of the central part of the retina (i.e. the macula) in order to answer the following questions:
    1. What is the effect of drusen size on visual pigment (light absorbing molecules which mediate vision) regeneration rates?
    2. Are rod (a type of light detecting cell in the retina) visual pigment synthesis rates preferentially impaired overlying reticular pseudodrusen, and likewise are cone (a type of light detecting cell in the retina) visual pigment synthesis rates preferentially impaired overlying soft drusen?
    3. Are visual pigment synthesis rates affected in areas of ellipsoid zone (one of the retinal layers) disruption or loss?

  • REC name

    London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/PR/1553

  • Date of REC Opinion

    19 Jan 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion