Structure-Function Correlation in Macular Degeneration

This study may be the first methodology for an exact point-by-point structure-function correlation of pathology within the central retina. This diagnostic technology is extremely promising to establish new surrogate endpoints for clinical trials and for monitoring treatment effects on visual function with highest accuracy.

Grantee institution at the time of this grant: Wilmer Eye Institute

The human central retina, the macula, is both the anatomical structure responsible for fine detail vision and subject to disease-causing irreversible blindness. Remarkable progress has been made in high-resolution imaging of the macula using new technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, the impact of retinal pathology detected by such high-resolution imaging on visual performance remains mostly uncertain.

To investigate the functional consequences of pathology detected by high-resolution retinal imaging, data of visual function will be superimposed onto all topographic and tomographic images of the retina.

Selected morphological features will be validated, and their applicability will be investigated as surrogate markers for future clinical trials in macular diseases.

This approach of an exact point-by-point structure-function correlation of pathology within the central retina may offer unique insights in macular disease mechanisms and may offer a perfect monitoring tool for any type of therapeutic intervention in macular degeneration.