Development of ophthalmology: what to expect from the development of technologies in the near future

Ophthalmology: history of development

Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye. It also develops methods for the prevention and treatment of ocular conditions. The history of this field dates back centuries, with references to eye diseases found in the scientific works of doctors from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. European scientists have made significant contributions to our understanding of ophthalmologic diseases.

Ancient material evidence from Egypt confirms the existence of ophthalmology. Pepi Ank Iri was the first physician whose name is preserved, carved on an Egyptian tombstone. The earliest theories of vision emerged in ancient Greece, with Hippocrates and Plato regarded as the great physicians of antiquity. In ancient Rome, the foundations of ophthalmology were established by natives of Greece and Egypt. The works of Cornelius Celsus detailed eye diseases and surgical procedures. Ophthalmology also saw significant development in ancient India.

The works of Claudius Galen (131-201 A.D.) mark a significant period in the history of medicine, describing the structure of the eye and various diseases. Galen believed the lens to be the organ of vision. Extensive literature on ophthalmology in Arabic includes contributions from more than 60 authors. Avicenna's work, presented in the "Canon," was considered the most comprehensive and systematic text of its time, serving as a medical manual for doctors in Europe and Eastern countries for 600 years. Among the books written during the Renaissance, one by Alexander of Tralles (6th century) has survived.

Since the 17th century, eye models have been crafted from materials such as horn, bone, wood, and glass. These models could be dismantled to reveal the optic nerve at the back. Anatomical models became essential teaching tools due to the scarcity of organs available for dissection.

In 1750, the English optician J. Eskew created the first set for fitting spectacles. In 1778, Johann Paul Hearn developed a similar set in Munich. A significant advancement in ophthalmology, as well as in medicine as a whole, occurred in the mid-19th century. These discoveries are linked to renowned scientists such as H. Helmholtz, F. C. Donders, Jan Purkinje, A. von Graefe, and A. Kremer. Among the most significant advancements were surgeries for strabismus and enucleation of the eyeball. In the latter half of the 19th century, a set of surgical instruments crafted from premium materials such as tortoiseshell, gold plating, nickel, brass, and wood was invented.In 1850, Hermann Helmholtz invented the ophthalmoscope, marking a significant advancement in ophthalmology. This invention greatly enhanced the ability to recognize and treat diseases of the eye fundus, study the early stages of lens opacity and vitreous body conditions, and detect foreign bodies and parasites. During this period, charts for measuring visual acuity were introduced, allowing it to be quantified in numerical values. The 19th century also saw the establishment of eye hospitals, the emergence of specialized publications, and the formation of scientific communities and congresses dedicated to ophthalmology.

Modern ophthalmology and devices

When vision declines, the primary task of the specialist is to determine the underlying cause of the changes and conduct a thorough diagnosis. This allows the ophthalmologist to choose an effective method for preserving vision and appropriate vision correction techniques. In modern medicine, key devices used in ophthalmology include:

1. Eye tonometers — a device for fixing the value of intraocular pressure. Measurement is important in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

2. Optical coherence tomographs — allow the deep elements of the eye and internal surfaces to be examined. The device passes light waves through the eye, captures and transfers the data to the monitor in the form of finished images.

3. Computer visual field analyzer — helps to detect glaucoma at the initial stage, dystrophy, retinal detachment, inflammation of the optic nerve, tumors. The equipment determines the boundaries of the visual field, light sensitivity during the day, night, dusk.

Laser technologies in ophthalmology are used to correct visual defects, enhance diagnostics, and provide complex treatments.

Modern developments for visually impaired people

A blind person often dreams of partially regaining their sight. Advances in ophthalmology continually progress, making it possible for individuals to perceive light, recognize the contours of people and objects, and better orient themselves in space.

In the UK, Assisted Vision Smart Glasses have been developed to enhance vision with partial sight. In 2013, Stephen Hicks presented this groundbreaking project. These "smart" glasses are equipped with microscopic video cameras and LED grids instead of traditional lenses. The cameras capture images of the surrounding environment, which are then processed by a built-in processor and displayed on the glasses' screens.

Thanks to artificial intelligence, blind individuals can gain a better understanding of their surroundings. In 2014, Mexican scientists introduced AI Glasses, a device designed to establish safe routes and recognize obstacles. Equipped with cameras and an ultrasonic scanner, the glasses transmit environmental information to an "artificial brain" that processes the data and relays it to the user. The glasses can identify signs and building numbers, and estimate the distance to obstacles.

A real discovery was the invention of the bionic eye for vision correction. A special lens is implanted in the eye, which helps to correct any defect not related to retinal damage.

Robotics

Robotics is now utilized across various medical fields, leading to the development of advanced devices and systems in ophthalmology. These innovations enable unprecedented accuracy in diagnostics, treatment, and surgical procedures. Notably, China was the first to develop automated equipment for vision diagnostics. This camera operates without human intervention, providing consultations in hospitals with a shortage of specialists. It scans the eye in just 15 seconds, examines the fundus, captures images, and delivers results with a diagnosis. The robot is capable of detecting conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal diseases.

Microscopic robot is a modern means of automated surgery. The device has unlimited freedom of movement. Instead of several punctures in different places, it is necessary to introduce a hollow needle in one area, through which the robot enters the eye. Even during the most complex surgeries, the patient receives minimal damage, eliminating the risk of serious complications.

A vision of the future

Scientists around the world are working every day to find new technologies to restore the ability to see. At the moment, research is underway on a promising digital vision technology. The innovative system has a camera on the glasses, which transmits the image to a special sensor. Thanks to a program based on artificial intelligence, the received data is processed and transmitted to the implant. It is installed directly into the visual cortex of the brain.

Conclusion

Modern ophthalmology widely uses the possibilities of the latest information technologies. The industry is constantly improving the methods of surgical intervention, treatment and prevention of eye pathology. Scientific and technological achievements are constantly evolving and selecting approaches to solving problems with vision.

To equip an ophthalmologist's office, it is important to purchase reliable ophthalmologic equipment. Bimedis Marketplace is in demand worldwide and offers a wide range of devices from leading manufacturers.