People with depression view the words in gray shades – A new research proposed. The new study was conducted by German researchers who used retina scans (eye scan) to observe the reaction of the retina to varying black-and-white contrasts.

To investigate, the study included 40 patients with symptoms of depression and 40 healthy individuals (a control group). All participants were requested to see a sequence of 5 black-and-white checker boards of variable contrasts. During this process, researchers measured the individual’ pattern electroretinogram (graphical recording of the electrical activity of the retina). The retinal graphical record shows the reaction of nerve cells within the retina. It also captures the subconscious vision – an earlier vision in milliseconds than the vision in which one consciously distinguishes something.

The examination showed that depressed individuals had significantly inferior eye response to contrast compared to individuals without depression. Further analysis of results indicated that lower response was apparent in patients with depression no matter of if they were taking antidepressant medications or not.

The study also established that individuals with severe depression had the lowest retinal response to contrast. The study team said even though further studies are required, these findings indicate retina scans, sooner or later, might be used to diagnose and evaluate the severity of disease, as well as to judge the success of medical care.

The study spotlights the manners and ways that depressive disorder changes individual’s feel of the world. It is actually remarkable that researchers were able to differentiate healthy controls from patient with depression. This indicates, the research has found an objective marker for identifying the state of depression.