Eye Screen

Coordinator:		Prof. Dr. Jochen Graw
Institution:		Institut für Entwicklungsgenetik, Helmholtz Zentrum München
Homepage:		www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/en/idg

Blindness and visual impairment are widespread diseases leading to a significant loss of life quality and shortened lifespan. 50 million people worldwide are blind. Within the German Mouse Clinic (GMC) we characterise mouse mutants in a comprehensive, standardised phenotyping analysis to establish validated models for human diseases. In the Eye Screen the optic ability is examined with non invasive methods. Morphological abnormalities of the anterior segments (mainly cornea, iris and lens) are analysed by slit lamp biometry and of posterior segments (mainly retinal fundus, optic disc and vessels) by ophthalmoscopy. It is planned to optimize these investigation by using Scheimpflug imaging and optical coherence tomography. The primary screening is extended by laser interference biometry to determine different eye size parameters (like the axial eye length) and vision tests with the optokinetic drum. To complete the eye examinations secondary screening methods such as ERG (electroretinography, a test for retinal function) and histological analysis are performed.

                                
Virtual vision test:
In the virtual vision test, the mouse regards a stripe pattern, which moves clockwise or counter clockwise. Seeing mice follow the pattern with a characteristic head movement (head tracking reflex).