Visual psychophysics in Diabetic Retinopathy

Irreversible and severe visual loss may represent the end of long lasting diabetic retinopathy. The progression of visual impairment and the quantification of final residual visual function are currently determined by means of diagnostic tests which rely on the physiological and mathematical principles of psychophysics. The best known among these tests is the quantification of visual acuity: a classic visual function psychophysical test. Visual psychophysical tests are the cornerstone of visual function investigation, and any physical or pharmacological therapy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy still has the maintenance (or improvement) of visual function as primary endpoint.