New glaucoma detection software
Thursday, 06 Mar 2008 10:52
The new test could help to better detect glaucoma
Researchers have announced a new test for glaucoma that is predicted to more accurately determine who has the eye condition.
Glaucoma is the most common form of preventable blindness and affects about half a million people in England and Wales.
Worldwide it is estimated to affect about 70 million people, with half of this number unaware they have the condition.
The new Moorfields Motion Displacement Test (MDT), which is in its final stages of development, uses unique software to test people's field of vision.
A central white spot and 32 white lines are displayed on a grey screen. The patient watches these and is asked to click on the mouse when one of the lines is seen to move.
Researchers behind the test say it should help to spot glaucoma at an earlier stage.
The MDT is run on a standard PC or laptop and it is hoped that it will also be available to download from the internet.
This would enable clinicians from around the world, including those in developing countries, to use it as part of their glaucoma screening systems.
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