For the first time, scientists have developed a simple eye test that may help treat glaucoma, the biggest cause of irreversible blindness, by detecting the disease 10 years earlier than was previously possible. The test also has potential for early diagnosis of other degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
loss of sight in patients with glaucoma is caused by the death of cells in the retina at the back of the eye called apoptosis, researchers said. Early detection of this cell death means doctors can start treatments before sight loss begins. Researchers, including those from UK’s University College london (UCl), developed a technique which allows doctors to see individual nerve cell death in the back of the eye.
The technique called DARC — detection of apoptosing retinal cells uses a specially developed fluorescent marker which attaches to cell proteins when injected into patients.
The sick cells then appear as white fluorescent spots during the eye examination. The examination uses equipment used during routine hospital eye examinations. Researchers hope that eventually it may be possible for opticians to conduct the tests, enabling even earlier detection of the disease.