Abstract
Interocular disparities in optical quality create abnormal ocular states that impair binocular vision. Keratoconus (KC)-a progressive corneal disease that arises after normal visual development-results in severe differences in interocular optical quality. Here, we evaluated the ensuing changes in binocular function associated with long-term neural adaptation to such abnormal optical conditions. An adaptive optics (AO) system was used to correct ocular aberrations while measuring neural contrast sensitivity in 5 control and 5 KC subjects. AO correction enables direct assessment of neural function. KC subjects exhibited a large impairment in neural binocular summation, and subjects with severe interocular optical disparity showed binocular inhibition at mid to high spatial frequencies. Our results provide valuable information about the impact of long-term exposure to abnormal optics and interocular disparities on visual processing. This is crucial for improving the way ocular abnormalities like KC are treated.
Meeting abstract presented at the 2016 OSA Fall Vision Meeting