The Dark Adaptation Test is a psychophysical test used to determine the ability of the rod photoreceptors to increase their sensitivity in the dark. This test is a measurement of the rate at which the rod and cone system recover sensitivity in the dark following exposure to a bright light source.
The test is performed in a completely dark room. The patient will sit with their chin on a chinrest while looking into the Dark Adaptation machine. During the test a subtle bright light will blink and the patient will hit a button when they see that light. The light will flash at different intensities to test the threshold of the patient’s rod function.
