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Development of a Gaze-Contingent Display Framework Designed for Perceptual and Oculomotor Research with Simulated Central Vision Loss
Published on: April 11, 2025
340
Potential vision tester using adaptive optics, Maxwellian view, and small pupil.
Ann E Elsner1,2, Joel A Papay2, Vamsi Parimi1
1School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
Biomedical Optics Express
|February 29, 2024
Summary
This study presents a new vision tester to improve visual acuity measurements in aging eyes. The device accurately measures visual acuity even with induced optical aberrations, showing linear relationships with spherical aberrations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science
- Optical Engineering
- Biomedical Instrumentation
Background:
- Accurate visual acuity (VA) measurement is crucial for understanding and managing age-related vision changes.
- Existing methods may be limited by optical aberrations and cost.
- The aging eye presents unique challenges for precise vision testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel, cost-effective trolley-mounted potential vision tester (PVT).
- To investigate the impact of higher-order optical aberrations on VA measurements.
- To improve the accuracy and reliability of VA testing in the aging population.
Main Methods:
- A free-space PVT with a high-resolution display in Maxwellian view and a 3 mm pupil was utilized.
- A moderate-cost deformable mirror was employed to induce and correct optical aberrations.
- Wavefront (WF) aberrations were measured using a custom Hartmann Shack (HS) calibration system and a commercial device.
- Visual acuity was assessed using a four-alternative forced-choice method with a single E stimulus.
Main Results:
- The PVT accurately measured visual acuities down to 20/5.
- The deformable mirror successfully induced repeatable and stable spherical and comatic aberrations.
- Induced aberrations showed a linear relationship with VA measurements across subjects for spherical aberrations.
- Higher-order terms were not necessary to describe the data across spherical aberrations.
Conclusions:
- The developed PVT is a viable tool for studying and enhancing VA measurements, particularly in the context of the aging eye.
- The system effectively quantifies the impact of optical aberrations on visual performance.
- The findings suggest that VA measurements can be accurately assessed even in the presence of controlled optical aberrations, with spherical aberration being a key factor.
