Work

Full-Field Stimulus Threshold: A Key Functional Outcome Measure in Retinal Diseases and Clinical Trials

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Full-field stimulus threshold (FST) testing is a psychophysical method used to assess global retinal function, particularly in patients with severe visual impairment where conventional perimetry is unreliable. This review explores the development, clinical protocols, and applications of FST in retinal diseases, with a focus on its role in inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). FST has emerged as a key functional outcome measure in clinical trials, particularly in evaluating novel gene therapies for IRDs. Its fixation-independent nature and ability to detect residual visual function make it valuable for assessing disease progression and treatment efficacy. However, challenges remain regarding standardization and test variability. Ongoing efforts seek to standardize and optimize FST protocols and establish it as a standardized metric in both clinical and research settings.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm15166492

Authors: Nathan Macha, Minzhong Yu

Institutions: Rocky Vista University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Development and Disorders

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137