Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Measurement of Retinal Sensitivity on Tablet Devices in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Zhichao Wu1, Robyn H Guymer1, Chang J Jung1
1Centre for Eye Research Australia University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Purpose:
We compared measurements of central retinal sensitivity on a portable, low-cost tablet device to the established method of microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods:
A customized test designed to measure central retinal sensitivity (within the central 1° radius) on a tablet device was developed using an open-source platform called PsyPad. A total of 30 participants with AMD were included in this study, and all participants performed a practice test on PsyPad, followed by four tests of one eye and one test of the other eye. Participants then underwent standardized microperimetry examinations in both eyes.
Results:
The average test duration on PsyPad was 53.9 ± 7.5 seconds, and no significant learning effect was observed over the examinations performed (P = 1.000). The coefficient of repeatability of central retinal sensitivity between the first two examinations on PsyPad was ±1.76 dB. The mean central retinal sensitivity was not significantly different between PsyPad (25.7 ± 0.4 dB) and microperimetry (26.1 ± 0.4 dB, P = 0.094), and the 95% limits of agreement between the two measures were between -4.12 and 4.92 dB.
Conclusions:
The measurements of central retinal sensitivity can be performed effectively using a tablet device, displaying reasonably good agreement with those obtained using the established method of microperimetry.
Translational Relevance:
These findings highlight the potential of tablet devices as low-cost and portable tools for developing and performing visual function measures that can be easily and widely implemented.
