Eye App Helps Early Detection 

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness on the planet. In fact, the condition is the number one cause of new blindness in working-age adults. Early detection is key to preventing further problems. According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy affects between 40 and 45 percent of American diabetics.

Diabetic retinopathy impacts the lives of many people in developing countries, which is why researchers have been seeking inexpensive solutions for early diagnosis. Researchers found that a special adapter for built-in smartphone cameras to image the retina produced the most precise view.

"The best result in our test was achieved by an adapter with an additional lens that is attached to the smartphone," says Dr. Maximilian Wintergerst from the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Bonn. "It allowed almost 80 percent of eyes with any retinal changes to be detected, even in the early stages. Advanced damage could even be diagnosed 100 percent of the time."

San Diego Center for the Blind can significantly assist you or a loved one living with blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

Modified smartphone detects early signs of diabetes-induced blindness