Researchers from Canada’s Simon Fraser University have developed a high resolution retinal imaging scanner that may one day help ophthalmologists diagnose eye diseases before vision loss occurs.
Current low-resolution scanners available can only diagnose the cause of retinal damage after the patient’s vision is impacted. However, with the newly developed scanner, high-resolution, 3-D cross-sectional images of the retina can now be visualized. This allows for careful investigation of components such as individual photoreceptors and fine capillaries.
"It's a breakthrough in clinical diagnostics," says lead researcher Marinko Sarunic. "With the high-resolution scanner, ophthalmologists and optometrists can detect damage and changes to small numbers of individual photoreceptors, giving them a diagnosis before the patient loses vision, and the potential to take preventative measures."
Sarunic’s scanner, conveniently about the size of a large shoebox, was tested for eight months last year by ophthalmologists at Vancouver General Hospital's Eye Care Centre. It already received some positive feedback.
"Early detection of abnormal blood vessels caused by Wet AMD and diabetes is essential to saving a patient's vision," says Dr. Eduardo Navajas, a vitreoretinal specialist. "Dr. Sarunic's new imaging technology is benefiting patients, allowing us to diagnose and treat Wet AMD and diabetic eye disease before patients develop bleeding and permanent damage to their retina."
See the full press release here.
Source: Simon Fraser University