Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Early Detection with AdaptDx Pro Technology

One of the most challenging aspects of being an eye doctor is witnessing people lose their vision. The eye condition that personally concerns me the most is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD affects your central vision, meaning you retain peripheral vision but lose the ability to see clearly in the center. Imagine looking at a loved one’s face and being unable to recognize them because your central vision is blurred or completely blacked out. The same goes for watching a movie, playing video games, or reading—you simply can’t do it.

Currently, no glasses, contact lenses, or even surgeries can restore this type of vision loss, making early detection crucial. Identifying AMD early allows us to begin treatment and lifestyle changes that can delay or even prevent further vision deterioration.

The Silent Onset of AMD

One of the tricky aspects of AMD is that many people don't notice any issues with their vision until it's too late. In fact, about 80% of individuals with AMD don’t seek help until they’ve already suffered permanent vision damage. What’s surprising is that vision loss or blindness isn’t the first symptom of AMD. Instead, the earliest sign is difficulty seeing in dim light or experiencing night blindness.

Have you noticed that it’s getting harder to see at night? If so, you’re not alone—many patients mention this when they come to the clinic.

Introducing the AdaptDx Pro: A Game-Changer in Early Detection

Now, there’s a new tool that can help detect AMD years before it becomes visible during a routine eye exam. Meet the AdaptDx Pro by MacuLogix, a portable vision test that resembles a virtual reality headset. This device tests "dark adaptometry," which measures how quickly your eyes adjust from a bright environment to a dim one. Think of walking from a bright room into a dark one—your eyes take a moment to adjust, and this test measures that adjustment time.

What's groundbreaking is that the AdaptDx Pro can detect AMD up to three years before it’s visible in a traditional eye exam. This early detection is critical in starting treatment early and slowing down vision loss.

How the AdaptDx Pro Works

The AdaptDx Pro is user-friendly, portable, and can be used anywhere. It comes with rubberized eye cups that block out light, creating a perfect seal for the test. There’s also a handy LCD screen on the front, guiding technicians through the process.

During the test, you’ll see a dark screen with a red target to focus on. Then, a bright green square flashes, which temporarily bleaches your retinal photoreceptors. Afterward, subtle changes in light intensity are displayed, and you press a button whenever you detect these changes. This allows the device to map out how well your retina adapts to light changes.

While dark adaptometry isn’t a new concept—it's been around for decades—this is the first time it’s been made so accessible and efficient for clinical use. Previously, the process was cumbersome and time-consuming, limiting its use to academic settings. Now, with the AdaptDx Pro, it’s quick, easy, and highly effective.

Two Test Modes for Better Diagnostics

The AdaptDx Pro offers two types of tests: a screening test that takes just 5-7 minutes, and a more extensive test for those who don’t pass the initial screening. If you pass the screener, that’s great! If not, the extended test will provide more detailed information to help diagnose AMD.

I even tried the test myself and found it surprisingly engaging. It starts with complete darkness, almost like wearing a blindfold, and then a multilingual AI voice named Thea guides you through the process. Thea adapts to your performance, reminding you to blink and take breaks, which is especially helpful if your eyes start drying out from focusing too much. The device even tracks your eye movements, ensuring that the test results are accurate.

Why Early Detection Matters

Studies from Harvard, Penn State, and Johns Hopkins have shown that the AdaptDx Pro has a 90% accuracy rate in detecting AMD, making it a powerful tool for early diagnosis. With early detection, we can start treatments like quitting smoking, taking nutritional supplements, and managing other health conditions that contribute to AMD. We can also recommend protective eyewear to reduce the strain from harmful light exposure.

The AdaptDx technology has been around since 2014 and is becoming more widely available. If you’re over 50, have a history of smoking, or have a family history of blindness or AMD, it’s worth finding a local eye care provider that offers dark adaptometry testing. You can search for clinics that have the AdaptDx Pro using the link in the description.

Final Thoughts

A big thank you to MacuLogix for sponsoring this video and giving us the chance to explore the AdaptDx Pro. If you have concerns about macular degeneration or want to learn more, check out our other videos on the differences between wet and dry AMD. And as always, keep an eye on your vision—early detection is key to preserving it.