Eye Clinic of Austin is among the first in the nation to offer the AdaptDx® test to help detect age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in adults over age 50.
The simple, non-invasive test measures the time it takes a patient’s vision to adjust from bright light to darkness, a process known as dark adaptation. The test result, a single number called the Rod Intercept (or RI) can indicate the presence of early-stage AMD before any vision loss has occurred, allowing a plan to be put into place to help preserve vision.
Eye Clinic of Austin Ophthalmologist, Thomas Henderson, M.D. says, “Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic disease that causes deterioration of central vision, the component of our sight we rely on for reading, recognizing faces, or driving. Without early detection, nearly 80% of patients with AMD do not receive treatment before substantial, irreversible vision loss has occurred. With the AdaptDx, we are able to quickly and easily detect AMD in its earliest stages before the patient notices any impairment; and then monitor the progress of the disease to provide the best care available.”
Dr. Henderson recommends people over age 50, particularly those who are experiencing issues with night vision or have risk factors for AMD such as a family history of the disease, Caucasian race, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease, should get a baseline RI measurement and then repeat the test annually.
Performed in a darkened room, the AdaptDx Rapid Test is easy and non-invasive, lasting no longer than 6.5 minutes per eye. Nothing touches the patient’s eye and the test does not require pupil dilation. During the test, the patient watches for a series of lights and is asked to click a button each time they are seen. If dark adaptation function is in the normal range, the patient’s RI will be 6.5 minutes or less.
If the patient doesn’t complete the Rapid Test in less than 6.5 minutes, they return to take the AdaptDx Extended Test to determine a baseline RI. Once the RI is determined, Dr. Henderson works with the patient to monitor any changes to their RI and put a care plan in place.
If you are interested in the AdaptDX test, please contact our team to schedule an appointment.