In clinical practice quantitative dark adaptation tests are frequently avoided for several reasons. For example, the examination requires more time than the physician is usually able to devote to it, even if he is thoroughly familiar with the instrument and the technique. Since the test is not used routinely, it is difficult either to establish a standard procedure or to have an experienced technician available when needed. Furthermore, the test is of such a nature that much of its value is lost if standard procedures are not followed.
These difficulties have been partly met by developing an apparatus which provides simplification and standardization of the procedures. These improvements were added to the standard Goldmann-Weekers adaptometer, which is the most commonly used modern adaptometer for clinical studies. Besides other advantages, the apparatus includes an arrangement for uniform preadaptation and a self-recording system. The determination of the brightness threshold is made in