HANDHELD, OCT DEVICE FOR EARLY DETECTION OF RETINAL DISEASE

MIT researchers put the power of prevention into doctor’s hands.

A new, handheld device for preventive ophthalmological care uses cutting-edge technology to provide accurate patient data with just one measurement. Developed by researchers at MIT, the optical coherence tomography (OCT) ophthalmic instrument integrates a 2D microelectromechanical mirror and 3D imaging; it aids healthcare providers in the detection of retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. The portable nature of the device lends it to more widespread use, like in primary-care and pediatric offices, as well as the developing world; retinal screening typically is confined to specialists’ tabletop equipment, and a handheld device could make preventative ophthalmic care more accessible. Click to get more information about this development.