A new iPhone app could enable patients with degenerative eye diseases to track their vision loss at home. Known as myVisionTrack, the technology allows patients with diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration to accurately check their vision in less than 90 seconds, according to its developers. myVisionTrack is designed specifically to treat patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, which together are the cause of much of the blindness in the world.
“Many patients do not have timely eye exams and end up suffering preventable vision loss,” explained Dr. Yu-Guang He, an associate professor of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern in a press release. “Careful self-monitoring is critical because treatment for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy is most effective when given at precise stages in the disease’s progression.”
From the press release:
Supplied as an app on an iPhone or iPod touch, the prototype device displays three circles on a screen, one of which is markedly different from the others. Patients cover one eye, then touch what they perceive to be the odd-shaped circle on the screen. With each click, the differentiation becomes more subtle. The test is then repeated with the other eye. Results are stored in the device so patients do not have to memorize scores. If a significant vision change is detected, patients are instructed to see their doctor.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the technology was a 2011 TECH Fort Worth IMPACT Awards recipient.
Check out this video explaining how the application works:
Press release: UT Southwestern Ophthalmologist Helps Develop Device for Monitoring Degenerative Eye Disease