Perception of Haidinger’s brushes in patients with diabetes mellitus

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The perception of the Haidinger’s brushes phenomenon in patients with diabetes mellitus.

• IRAS ID

  132720

• Contact name

  Catherine Egan

• Contact email

  Catherine.Egan@moorfields.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Moorfield's Eye Hospital

• Research summary

  Linearly polarised light induces the perception of a blue-yellow propeller-like structure in the centre of vision. This is an entoptic percept called Haidinger’s brushes. The orientation of the blue and yellow arms depends on the direction of the polarised light. It is believed that the perception of this phenomenon is based on the dichroic properties of macular pigment in Henle’s fibre layer. \n\nWe have assessed Haidinger’s brushes perception in MacTel type 2 patients, who are known to lack macular pigment in the macula, and found they do not perceive this phenomenon.\n\nThis study tests whether Haidinger’s brushes are perceived in patients with diabetic mellitus and early retinopathy. This will help us identify whether absence of the perception of Haidenger’s brushes phenomenon as measured by our non-invasive test is specific for MacTel or present in patient’s with another retinal disease.

• REC name

  East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/EE/0026

• Date of REC Opinion

  17 Feb 2014

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion