(http://www.PreserveMacForte.com) Technology stemming from cameras used for star gazing could one day better help doctors to detect early stage eye ailments such as age-related macular generation (AMD) sooner rater than later, according to The Engineer.
The article noted that a group of scientists and engineers from the UK have created a prototype mechanism for detecting AMD, which is the leading cause of sight impairment in developed nations. As it now stands, AMD usually isn’t diagnosed until the patient’s vision has already been adversely impacted.
According to the article, the technology in question was created by Cardiff University and the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC), and it employs highly sensitive cameras initially created for deep-space telescopes. The new technology is designed to help doctors to ascertain if the retina is operating as it ought to be. As such, the new technology, called a retinal densitometer, could lead to more eye studies to discover new treatment methods.
Dr. Tom Margrain, the lead researcher and a professional affiliated Cardiff’s School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, said in the article that the technology could revolutionize the process of detecting not only AMD, but also a wide range of other issues.
While there is no way to cure someone from AMD, the article noted that detecting it sooner rather than later could give patients more time to implement changes to their lifestyle and diet, such as getting over any smoking habits or eating more leafy green vegetables, to slow down the ailment’s progression. Dr. Margrain explained in the article that having a way to analyze how the disease progresses would potentially open up more opportunities for treatment.
The article explained that engineers affiliated with the UK ATC, which is affiliated with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), made changes to a deep-space, star-gazing camera by developing a control system that handles the process of capturing images illuminated by various light wavelengths.