An Eye-Opening Retinal Scanner

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The VISUSCOUT 100 delivers practical, high quality imaging for detection and monitoring of retinal disorders. Examinations are quickly performed and reviewed without needing to move the patient. Even medical staff can operate the device, enabling cost-effective image capture prior to a full examination. With advanced hardware and software, the design allows the professional to detect a myriad of retinal issues by precisely controlling the lenses movement to focus on even extremely small areas. Packed into a small, rugged carrying case, the VISUSCOUT can be conveniently transported and easily fits into any practice setup. Thanks to the camera’s non-mydriatic operation and precise autofocus function, dilation of the eyes is not required. Its battery power provides added flexibility. The optional WiFi functionality enables instant transfer of images to a PC or mobile device.

Designer: Alexandre Avranches

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Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial testing

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There's been significant progress in bringing sight to the blind in recent years, and this looks set to continue that miraculous trend. Scientists at Stanford University have invented a subretinal photodiode implant for people who have lost their vision due to degenerative retinal diseases. Existing tech involves batteries and wires, but the new implant works without such crude appendages. Instead, it's activated by near-infrared beams projected by a camera that's mounted on glasses worn by the patient. Those beams then stimulate the optice nerve to allow light perception, motion detection and even basic shape awareness. The glasses also have an onboard camera that records what the patient sees. It hasn't actually been tested with humans just yet, but the first few rodents volunteers have yet to lodge a single complaint.

Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial testing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 04:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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