A new device in the treatment of glaucoma has been introduced by Opthalmic Sciences. IOPerfect works by using artificial intelligence (AI) in a virtual reality-type headset which allows telediagnosis and remote monitoring.

It can be self-administered, and patients can wear the headset to monitor their IOP (fluid pressure inside the eyes) at home. It is non-invasive and without the need for eye drops or constant calibration.

The test is performed in less than three minutes, and is unaffected by corneal thickness. Its algorithm provides reliable AI-based image processing analysis of vascular pressure response.

The IOPerfect device applies mild controlled air pressure within the headset while micro-video cameras capture the difference in response to pressure of internal vs. external eye blood vessels.

The data is uploaded to a secure cloud where analysis takes place. The results can be accessed by medical staff for interpretation.

WHY IT MATTERS

With around 80 million patients worldwide, glaucoma is the second leading cause for blindness. This chronic disease is caused by elevated IOP that can cause damage to the optic nerve if left untreated.

Current methods to monitor IOP, the key biomarker for glaucoma, only permit measurements by a professional in a clinic or hospital, usually every few months, while other available home monitoring devices are invasive and lack reliability.

The IOPerfect device can be used at home, in eye-care clinics, emergency rooms, nursing homes and by pharmacies offering health services. This saves time for medical staff such as doctors, ophthalmologists and optometrists.

THE LARGER TREND

Targeting the $7 billion (€6.2 million) glaucoma market, Ophthalmic Sciences’ proprietary technology can be applied to various medical applications, such as early detection of cataract and for the early identification of central/branch vascular occlusions as well as ocular motor disorders.

Ophthalmic Sciences has started the regulatory procedures for IOPerfect, which will be available for sale in Europe and the US in 2023.

The technology will be used in the Israeli company’s future products. These include a full eye care remote diagnostics suite for early detection of cataract, corneal edema and exophthalmia, early identification of central/branch vascular occlusions and ocular motor disorders.

According to Ophthalmic Sciences, the result of ongoing clinical trials will be submitted to the FDA in 2022.

ON THE RECORD

“The IOPerfect would be the first entirely contactless intraocular pressure monitor. Existing devices require physical contact with the eye using a probe or jet. Needless to say, no one likes being touched in the eye, making ours far more user friendly and thus attractive for those requiring frequent measuring,” Ariel Weinstein, CEO, Ophthalmic Sciences told MobiHealthNews.

"Our proprietary technology works similarly to a blood pressure monitor with the distinction of ours imaging the vessel response rather than feel it. We film both eyes while applying nominal decreasing air pressure over the eyes and then look for vessel pulsations in the iris and sclera. Since the iris vessels are affected by pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure, and scleral vessels are not, we get two pulsation graphs. The difference between their peaks is the intraocular pressure," adds Weinstein.

“Our next product would allow intraocular pressure testing as well as early detection of cataract, nystagmus – an eye movement that could indicate disease, dry eye syndrome and visual field testing among others, making it a full eyecare telediagnostic suite, based on the same IOPerfect visor with the addition of AI algorithms. We envision this being used as a standard screening device in eye clinics, GP/primary care practitioner offices and A&E/emergency departments.”

Noam Hadas, inventor of the technology, Co-Founder and CTO, Ophthalmic Sciences said: "Developing the IOPerfect was a very challenging feat, involving a combination of novel mechanics and image processing innovations.

“All these were brought together to solve the need for a best-in-class system that can provide specialists with the data required to better treat their patients.”