A group of scientists working out of the highly prestigious Nanyang Technology University in Singapore devised a high-tech yet extraordinarily accessible diagnostic pen that is designed to make it easier than ever to go about diagnosing glaucoma without causing discomfort to the patient.
Since glaucoma is characterized by increased intra-ocular pressure, the conventional method of diagnosing it is by using a device called a gonioscope which has to be pressed against the patient's eyeball. However, the Singapore-scientists have developed a more convenient gadget, called the GonioPEN, that uses a high-resolution camera to capture highly precise photos of the patient's eyes from different angles. These images can then be analyzed by a doctor, who can use companion software to arrive at a diagnosis.
This diagnostic pen is not yet available commercially but is set to be priced at just around $5,000, making it an inexpensive and ingenious tool for every eye doctor.
Glaucoma-Gauging Gadgets
This Diagnostic Pen Uses Digital Imagery to Diagnose Glaucoma
Trend Themes
1. Accessible Diagnostic Gadgets - The development of affordable gadgets such as the GonioPEN opens up opportunities for medical professionals to diagnose conditions without causing discomfort to their patients.
2. Digital Imaging for Medical Diagnostics - The GonioPEN demonstrates the potential of digital imaging to provide highly precise photos for analysis to make diagnostics less intrusive and time-consuming.
3. Low-cost Medical Devices - The GonioPEN highlights the potential of affordable medical devices to revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing access to diagnostic tools that were previously only available to a limited number of patients.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The GonioPEN and other similar medical devices create opportunities for healthcare professionals to develop innovative solutions for various medical conditions and improve patient outcomes.
2. Medical Device Manufacturing - The rise of affordable medical devices such as the GonioPEN presents opportunities for businesses to manufacture innovative and accessible diagnostic tools that could change the medical landscape.
3. Ophthalmology - The development of the GonioPEN and other similar devices could revolutionize the ophthalmology industry by making it easier and more affordable to diagnose conditions such as glaucoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.