The first path addresses basic questions about the organization of the human retina in processing information about light, color, and control of light sensitivity. These studies, which explore independence and interaction within the visual pathways, are typically approached using psychophysical techniques designed to isolate these pathways. Particular emphasis is placed on the separation of light and color processing. Clinical vision psychophysics and electrophysiology. A second research path involves the study of retinal and visual pathway disease, particularly associated with diabetes.
Emphasis is placed on studying vision changes associated with diseases in their earliest stages.
Such an approach has the advantage of often identifying an alteration of function limited to particular sites or pathways in the retina. It also provides important information to the clinician about both the natural vision history of the disease and the efficacy of early treatment approaches. In a third collaborative study, with Professor Gunilla Haegerstrom-Portnoy , I am interested in the interactions between signals from rods and residual cones in the incomplete rod monochromat. The newest area of research in my laboratory is in biometrics and risk factors associated with the development of human refractive error. These studies are directed toward the development of myopia in juveniles and young adults.