Watching 'Dad's Army' won't stop you going blind

Conclusion This research demonstrates that a particular software application has fairly good accuracy for distinguishing between people with and without chronic glaucoma. The scan paths that the software built, mapping eye movements while watching TV or film clips, were able to accurately pick up about three-quarters of those with glaucoma. Meanwhile, 9 out of 10 people without the condition accurately tested as being free from glaucoma. The researchers appropriately call this a proof of concept study, in that they have demonstrated that the technique can reasonably separate people with and without chronic glaucoma. But we can only draw limited further conclusions at this time. This study only tested a fairly small sample of people, and we don't know whether the same accuracy results would be obtained if a separate, bigger sample were tested. We also don't know whether this test could offer any improvements on current methods for detecting chronic glaucoma. For example, it is not known whether the test could detect peripheral field defects any earlier than current standard visual field tests (combined with pressure testing), and so ultimately lead to the earlier detection and treatment of chronic glaucoma. Of course, the ultimate aim of earlier detection is to improve outcomes for people in terms of preserving their vision. However, the current stage of research can offer no indication of whether this treatment could help "save your eyesight", as the Express headl...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Older people Source Type: news