Development and Validation of a Disabling-Glare Mapping Device for Quantifying Dysphotopsia-Related Effects

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Visual Science

Background:

• Positive dysphotopsia (PD) involves light disturbances from visual aids, impacting comfort and acceptance.
• Current methods for quantifying PD size and shape lack sufficient accuracy.
• Accurate PD measurement is crucial for improving visual aid design and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel mapping device for accurate quantification of positive dysphotopsia (PD).
• To assess the device's ability to differentiate between optical designs causing PD.
• To establish the measurement repeatability and potential clinical applications of the device.

Main Methods:

• A mapping device was used to record participant responses to a moving glare source under scotopic conditions.
• Measurements were repeated 10 times on six healthy participants to determine uncertainty (mean 95% CI ± 3.5 cm²).
• Feasibility was assessed in 18 participants wearing monofocal and multifocal soft contact lenses.

Main Results:

• The device demonstrated a mean measurement uncertainty of 8% relative error.
• Multifocal lenses induced a significantly larger disabling glare area (74% increase) compared to monofocal lenses.
• Measured glare area positively correlated with self-reported glare size (p < .02).

Conclusions:

• The developed mapping device accurately determines the size and shape of positive dysphotopsia.
• The instrument can effectively discriminate between different contact lens optical designs.
• This validated device shows potential as an assessment tool in clinical practice, research, and lens development.