Non-invasive eye scans
Standard eye examinations begin with a generalised analysis of the external surfaces of the eye; the sclera, the conjunctiva and the cornea. An example of such a test may be in determining the length of the cornea for myopic cases. However, when being fitted with contact lenses, the eye's topography needs to be accurately mapped in order to ensure a comfortable fit. Since there are a number of defects or diseases that can affect the eye's outer surface, it is essential that mapping is accurate. In many instances, Fluorescein- a harmless vegetable dye is used to help ensure a suitable topographic image of the eye. Under the CLAAS project partly sponsored by the BRITE EURAM 3 programme of the European Community, a European company has designed an innovative manner in which to accurately map ocular topography. Using ultraviolet light, the machine can scope as wide a range of the eye-including part of the cornea as conventional MST equipment, but has the additional advantage of being totally non-intrusive. The ultraviolet wave is capable of accurately assessing the eye's surface structure despite the presence of scarring or disease caused defects or pathological irregularities. The principle behind the ultraviolet light ensures that the measured surface of the eye behaves like a projection screen, doing away with the invasive test that requires Fluorescein or additional eye drop treatment. The test itself is quick, harmless and more accurate than other testing equipment used to measure the cornea. In an additional development, the same company has designed a high-dynamic aberrometer capable of measuring the entire eye, including the cornea, the crystal lens and the intra-ocular media. The high-dynamic aberrometer is capable of measuring pathological irregularities while standard industry types cannot assess eyes with severe corneal conditions. The aberrometer is simple to use-one of its major innovative features, and allows customisation of corneal ablation procedure to measure wave-front data. The developers are looking for commercial exploitation, but only through third party interests.
