A new scanner will allow a full examination of the eyes in less than a minute
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Researchers from the Technological Institute in Massachusetts invented a device that allows only a few seconds to scan the entire retina of the eye and identify existing diseases (even at an early stage), in particular glaucoma, diabetic rettinopathy, macular degeneration.
The new device is the first device that unites almost all modern technologies, including 3D images, mirror scanning, small-sized micro-electro-mechanical systems, devices that correct the patient's random movements or tremble hands of the doctor. The device emits infrared light on the retina of the eye, which is then reflected back into the device. After that, interferometry is switched on in the apparatus, which estimates changes in the volume of the returned light signal and changes in the time delay. The effect that the device produces has a similar principle of working with radar or ultrasound.
Two types of devices were tested. One device is similar to a miniature video camera with a display. In the course of the study, the specialists came to the conclusion that the device created by them makes it possible to obtain images that are as good as the standard desktop devices that are used in the practice of ophthalmologists. To stabilize the image, which is disturbed by the movements of the doctor or patient, the specialists programmed the device to make several 3D images with a sufficiently high speed and from different directions. In a consequence, all the images obtained are combined into one complete picture. Using multiple images from one part of the retina, allows you to correct possible distortions due to movements of the hands of the doctor when examining or in the patient's eye.
According to researchers, the device will get maximum data with the help of one such device, the study of which will take only one minute. Usually, in order to examine a patient a doctor needs several instruments and apparatus. Specialists decided to develop a device that can be transported freely, so that it was possible to conduct research outside the walls of the medical office. The device uses a special technique that has proved itself in the ophthalmological market - optical coherence tomography.
At present, thermal imagers are widely used in ophthalmic practice, and modern scanning devices are used in surgery in operations on the eyes. Researchers were able to create a small-sized device, which can be freely transferred using a special device for mirror scanning and micro-electro-mechanical systems.
According to the author of the study, James Fujimoto, in the future he and his team have already planned testing the new device in clinical conditions. Also, James Fujimoto noted that the device is quite expensive and, before introducing the device for mass use in medical practice, it is necessary to find a method that lowers its cost price.
All the results of their research group of scientists published in a specialized journal Biomedical Optics Express.
[