WP 3.3: Assessment and novel vision aids for age-related macular degeneration and retinal degeneration

Reliable measurement of contrast sensitivity is essential for early functional diagnostics and for tailoring visual aids in retinal disease. This work package evaluates advanced contrast sensitivity instrumentation and explores design elements for next generation vision aids that support everyday function in age related macular degeneration.

The current research activity is focused on the characterization and validation of advanced methodologies for measuring contrast sensitivity. A commercial LED monitor is compared to a custom-built projection system based on a Digital Micromirror Device and 4f-configuration. The primary objective is to evaluate whether the greater bit depth and luminance stability of the projector translate into a reduction in the variability of measured contrast thresholds, a critical aspect for the reliability of clinical protocols. In parallel, adaptive optics assisted experiments are performed to investigate the limiting factors of letter recognition in peripheral vision, with special focus on the effects of visual crowding in relation to the eye's optical quality. Insights from these studies will guide a versatile extended reality tool for macular degeneration, that integrates scotoma remapping, optical enhancement, diagnostic functions, and functional training for adaptation to a preferred retinal locus.