A group of researchers in Singapore have devised a computer program to reduce blindness caused by severe myopia. The program is based on early and rapid detection of peripapillary atrophy (PPA), and can be used as a quick and automatic screening tool in hospitals. It was noted that in Singapore, about 9 per cent of 40 to 80 year old Chinese people suffer from severe myopia, with the rate at about 4 per cent for Indians and Malays in the same age group. The programme was a collaborative effort between ASTAR and NUS School of Public Health and Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI). The scientists also want to improve the programme so it can detect other abnormal changes in the eye, such as damaged optic nerves or lesions on the eyeball.
Media Coverage:
- The Straits Times, 9 October 2012, Tuesday