Background: Photostress test is the procedure to measure the time for restoration of retinal pigments that are bleached with bright light for 10 seconds at specific distance and is used to differentiate macular diseases from optic nerve diseases.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare efficacy of instruments used for photostress recovery time (PSRT) evaluation among normal participants of Pakistan and to find best PSRT assessment instrument.

Methodology: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Raja Fateh Muhammad Wonhar Welfare Hospital Dharukna, Kalar Kahar. After informed consent, 150 participants with 15-30 years age group were assessed through Distance and near visual acuity charts and ocular media through slit lamp for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Photostress was given randomly through Direct ophthalmoscope and Slit lamp in both eyes for 10s at 5cm, participants asked to read near chart. Photostress recovery time (PSRT) was measured through stopwatch after 20 minutes recovery time for second instrument. Data collection was done through self-designed Proforma and data analyzed through IBM SPSS 22.

Results: 150 participants (46%) males and (54%) females had most frequently PSRT 10-20 seconds (74%). Mean PSRT (15 seconds) values were assessed between both eyes with Direct Ophthalmoscope and Slit lamp. Both equipments was statistically significant for photostress recovery time evaluation with slight difference between Direct ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp (p<0.011 and p<0.00).

Conclusion: Both Ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp are equally applicable in any clinical settings with ease of the Eye care practitioner.

Keywords: Comparison, Efficacy, Ophthalmoscope, Retinal pigments, Slit lamp