Diagnostic device looks to correct kids' eyes young
A new portable device lets doctors conduct a quick, non-invasive pediatric eye exam--and hopefully detect vision problems early.
The PediaVision Assessment Solution (PAS), scheduled to be demonstrated at the American Academy of Pediatrics meeting in Boston this week, uses an infrared camera to take digital images of the eye in children as young as six months. The screener consists of a small, handheld unit; a printer; and a laptop with preinstalled software.
Basically, the PAS projects an infrared light through the pupil onto the retina from a distance of 3 feet (good for shy kids who don't like people up in their faces). Depending on the refractive problem, the reflected light forms a specific brightness pattern within the pupil. The administering doctor then gets a digital printout of the results in about five seconds.
(Credit:
PediaVision)
Florida-based PediaVision--which was founded by a team of optometrists and ophthalmologists--says the device can be used by non-vision specialists to detect conditions including near-sightedness, far-sightedness, blurred vision, and irregularly shaped corneas or lenses.
The company's CEO, David Melnik, says the PAS aims to provide the pediatricians and family practitioners who are the gatekeepers of children's health with a simple and accurate way to catch vision problems early, when they are most curable.
"Parents look to their pediatrician for early health assessments and trust their physician to thoroughly evaluate and identify any problems from birth," said Melnik, adding that pediatricians now have an easy-to-use tool for early vision assessment.
The idea here is that young children with vision problems often don't know they see the world differently than others. That, along with the fact that vision problems generally don't cause physical pain, means that many kids' vision issues often go undetected.
We'll be curious to see what docs have to say about the device once they give it a try.
Leslie Katz, senior editor of CNET's Crave, covers gadgets, games, and most other digital distractions. As a co-host of the CNET News Daily Podcast, she sometimes tries to channel Terry Gross. E-mail Leslie. 
Dr. Arnold
positive one and parents like the idea of the certificate with test results...
Elaine
Office Manager
Thanks
Dr. Nisha
- by vsarnold February 21, 2009 7:13 PM PST
- I am an eye physician. I have used this device, this will change the "standard of care" for children. Pediatricians are responsible for checking your child's vision, but do not have the right tool's until now! Every pediatrician should have this PediaVision device to ensure they do not miss eye problems with your child! If the pediatrician missed Amblyopia (lazy eye) prior to age 5, then your child will have a lifelong visual disability that could have been cured 95% of the time! Every parent should ask their pediatrician why they do not have this device to check their child's eye's!
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(12 Comments)Thanks,
Dr. Arnold