Page 36 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition November-December 2021
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BDNF TO degeneration of RGCs seen in glaucoma, validating the ability of
PREVENT SIGHT this treatment to protect these cells.
LOSS DUE TO MIKAJAKI INTRODUCES EYELIB
GLAUCOMA DIAGNOSTIC STATION
An on-going study aims to Swiss startup and ophthalmology expert
find out if a naturally occurring Mikijaki has partnered with engineering
protein in the body can be group Segula Technologies to develop
used to prevent sight loss from the first operational series of EyeLib, an
glaucoma. The study funded by innovative automated diagnostic station
Fight for Sight in partnership that has the potential to transform the way
with the Spectacle Makers’ the growing number of patients with vision
Charity and Glaucoma UK, is disorders are managed.
being conducted at the Cardiff EyeLib combines artificial intelligence (AI)
University, UK. with robotics to enable fast, fully automated
Researchers are exploring if advanced and complete ophthalmological
a neuroprotective agent called diagnoses and resulting referrals to the
brain-derived neurotrophic correct specialists. The device is presented
factor (BDNF) can be released as a mobile station that is automatically
in a controlled way from the adjustable to different morphologies.
blood when stimulated with The patient has to answer an online
an ultrasound as a targeted questionnaire through a virtual agent
treatment for glaucoma. (chatbot) driven by AI, and benefits from
The Cardiff University a rapid succession of opto-electronic
research is being led by measurements of the eye. It takes just a
Dr Andrew Want. “Glaucoma few minutes for EyeLib™ to analyse around
is linked to high eye pressure 100 objective parameters and generate a
and so current treatments for report that also includes highly detailed
the condition are aimed at the imaging of the eye’s anatomical and optical structures. These
reduction of this pressure. We results are then combined with the subjective data collected by
want to take the benefits of the questionnaire, to generate an all-inclusive pre-diagnosis by
BDNF seen in prior work closer means of several artificial intelligence algorithms.
to a viable clinical treatment The first prototypes of the EyeLib cabins are already in
by addressing several of the place in Nantes and Paris, France, and with the help of Segula
difficulties in delivery and dose Technologies, Mikajaki has also registered some twenty pre-
control,” said Dr Andrew. orders in several European countries. The EyeLib is easy to
The scientists will be industrialise, fast and accessible to people of all sizes, as well as
using a genetic model in the to wheelchair users.
lab to control the optimum Dr Michael Assouline, co-founder and medical director at
exposure times and frequency Mikajaki reveals: “In less than two and a half years, we have
of ultrasound needed for been able to complete the prototype development phase and
BDNF. Eye pressure levels create an innovative process to generate an intelligent report
of a glaucoma model will of great medical value. We see this as a revolutionary solution
be monitored over a month to the problem of the shortage of ophthalmologists in France
and intermittent ultrasound and worldwide. We hope that this cooperation will enable
treatments will be given to us to make our vision a concrete reality, widely distributed
determine if BDNF reduces the throughout the world.”
OPHTHALMIC NEWS
| NOV-DEC 2021 | 32 OPHTHALMIC NEWS
