Deepayan Kar, PhD, MS: A Virtual Reality Approach to Contrast Sensitivity in AMD

Contrast sensitivity, a key function affecting the quality of life metrics in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), measured with a novel gaze-tracking-based virtual reality (VR) headrest revealed a trend to differentiate among groups with different disease stages of AMD.
In an interview with HCPLive, investigator Deepayan Kar, PhD, MS, an ophthalmology biomarker scient in translational development at Apellis Pharmaceuticals, indicated the VR-based test remained objective and was efficiently administered across a wide age range and lens status during the study.
“We found that the test is feasible across a broad range of age groups and in our clinical study, the test had the ability to separate normal from disease eyes” Kar told HCPLive. “Furthermore, we found a trend to differentiate between AMD disease severity groups. The test has a small footprint, so it’s really easy to scale it up for clinics or trials.”
Highlights
0:07 Significance of contrast sensitivity for AMD
1:14 What is the VR headset?
2:47 Results of the analysis
3:38 Clinical implications
4:31 Challenges in VR
6:05 Importance of innovation in ophthalmology
Link to the full article: www.hcplive.com/view/deepayan...
More AVRO coverage: www.hcplive.com/conference/arvo
#virtualreality #ophthalmology #retina