Functionally Validated Structural Endpoints for Early AMD

Delayed rod-mediated dark adaptation (RMDA), or delayed recovery of vision in a dark environment, is a functional biomarker (i.e., risk factor) for early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This research plan is designed to elucidate the structural (anatomical) basis of this visual deficit using cellular- and subcellular level imaging of the retina and its supporting tissues in living people. An accurate map and timeline of structure-function relationships in persons tested for night vision will result in functionally validated structural endpoints for early AMD trials, as well as define major biologic effects for development into future treatments.