LED Technology Could Revolutionize Cataract Diagnosis
This allows clinicians to examine a florescence signal from proteins in the eye lens. By documenting the changes to the photochemistry of the eye during cataract formation, an objective scale for diagnosis can be created which could save global health services millions annually.
The condition, which is the principal cause of blindness globally and the most common cause of vision loss in those aged over 40 years, is currently treated surgically, after cataract has formed.
Credit: Heriot-Watt University
Professor Rory Duncan, Head of the Institute for Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Rather than waiting for the condition to appear, it could be possible to diagnose and monitor cataract before it forms, allowing preventative measures to be taken where possible.
While this stage is not a cure for cataracts, we believe it could have wide-reaching benefits, such as limiting the symptoms experienced by our increasingly ageing population and those living with diabetes. It could significantly diminish the pressure on our health service, says Professor Rory Duncan.
“We believe that the diagnostic also allows us to determine a patient’s ‘true age’ as opposed to the age on their birth certificate. The technology identifies how much oxidative damage lens proteins have accumulated through lifestyle or environmental factors. This accumulated damage may be important in determining risk factors for a number of age-related conditions.
“We are in the process of raising further funds to allow us to transfer the technology from the experimental laboratory towards clinical trials, where we will be able to properly assess the utility of the technology.”
Professor Des Smith, FRS, is one of the co-founders of the research. He said: “This research brings us one step closer to developing a non-invasive treatment for cataracts.”
The team will now conduct further studies in pigs to validate the findings, demonstrate safety in humans and explore whether non-invasive treatment is feasible.
The project was conceived by Professor Des Smith, FRS, one of the founders of Heriot-Watt’s Riccarton campus, and Professor Baljean Dhillon, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, University of Edinburgh and hon. Consultant Ophthalmology Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh. The team also includes Dr Lina Kessel and Professor Michael Larsen at Glostrup Hospital in Copenhagen.
The research was funded by the NHS (NIHR), the UK Medical Research Council, and a range of commercial partners. This research has also received funding from Techcomp Europe Ltd and the European Union ICT Policy Support Programme as part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – CATACURE project (Grant agreement no. 621088). Professor Smith funded part of the research personally, demonstrating his passion for the work.
5ee6
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).