The Recent Technological Advances In Ophthalmology

MedTech Outlook | Sunday, February 21, 2021

The area of ophthalmology is undergoing dramatic changes due to advances in medical technology.

Fremont, CA: New ophthalmic technology can help with vision correction, IOP (intraocular pressure) reduction, and cataract surgery, all of which can improve outcomes and open up new treatment options. Thanks to industry innovation and collaboration with clinicians, these new technologies are helping to improve laser eye surgery outcomes and open up new ways of seeing for the blind. These advancements may alter the alternatives accessible to a local ophthalmologist for enhancing a patient's vision and eye health.

Technological advances in opthalmology:

Corneal topography

Corneal topography equipment maps the surface and shape of the cornea using non-invasive diagnostic imaging. By measuring the curvature, thickness, and other characteristics of the corneal surface, ophthalmologists can detect problems like keratoconus and tailor contact lenses to an individual's unique characteristics. Corneal topography is a critical diagnostic technique that creates a colorful map of the cornea's curvature using a specialist camera and digital analysis, showing any anomalies and guiding treatment. Specific imaging techniques include Placido disc, Scheimpflug, and scanning-slit topography.

Optical coherence tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) uses computational processing to combine numerous diagnostic pictures to create images of the retina's structure and blood flow. This non-invasive technique eliminates the need for injected fluorescent dyes while delivering extremely accurate and detailed images for analysis. Ophthalmologists can use an OCT scanner's detailed 3-D images to diagnose and treat retinal diseases such as vascular occlusions, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. These precise images of the eye provide a clear picture of what's causing vision issues, as well as the ability to track the progression of eye conditions.

Some of the other rapidly improving technologies include:

Corneal pachymetry

Corneal pachymetry is a technique that uses an ultrasonic device to accurately measure the thickness of the cornea as it comes into contact with the eye's surface. Pachymetry is useful for measuring post-surgical progress, diagnosing corneal illness early, and planning eye surgery. Corneal pachymetry is a well-established procedure that has recently experienced advancements in medical technology in terms of instrument size, comfort, and accuracy.

A-scan immersion ultrasound

A-scans measure the length of the eye and can assist assess the size and features of masses within the eye using a piece of hand-held ultrasound equipment. Some A-scanners can now be utilized without establishing contact with the eye, thanks to recent technical advancements.

B-scan ultrasound

A B-scan ultrasound is another non-invasive technology that can provide precise information on the retina, sclera, orbit, vitreous, and lens, as well as the inner structures and fluids of the eye. This technology is getting smaller and more portable all the time, making this potent diagnostic tool more accessible to small practitioners and isolated populations.