Color Contrast Sensitivity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

As the global population ages, prevalence of age-related macular degeneration(AMD) is rapidly increasing. Sensitive methods to detect early disease progression can improve outcomes. Contrast sensitivity has been shown to be a sensitive measure of visual function.1 Similarly, color vision loss is one of the earliest manifestations of retinal disease.2 Previously studied in Parkinson's Disease3 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,4 the King-Devick Variable Color Contrast Sensitivity Chart(VCCSC) iPad application offers portable availability and variable illumination compared to retro-illuminated chart-types. This pilot study aimed to determine which color contrast sensitivity differences exist in non-exudative AMD(NE-AMD) to develop a baseline for a larger study utilizing this technology in detecting AMD conversion particularly in high risk patients.