Technology
The patented scanning laser system developed by Optos generates a digital wide-field (200 degrees internal angle) image of the retina. Optos’ Panoramic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope device uses this unique imaging system to create a “virtual scanning point” inside the patient’s eye and has the following features which are not offered in their entirety by conventional methods of retinal examination:
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wide‑field – approximately 82% of the patient’s retina is captured in a single image; |
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rapid image capture – image capture takes a quarter of a second once the patient is positioned relative to the device; |
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dilation not necessary – the device is designed to be able to take an image through a 2mm aperture, and therefore the decision to dilate is one taken by the practitioner as opposed to a necessity mandated by the instrument requirements; and |
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unaffected by most cataracts—the Panoramic200 device employs two independent low-power laser sources which operate at discrete wavelengths and are diffracted less than white light, thereby enabling more successful imaging through cataracts than with white light which tends to scatter when it tries to penetrate the cataract. |
The scanning laser system combines the two low-powered lasers into a single beam that is then projected onto the patient’s retina and manipulated through a 200-degree scan angle. Light reflected from the retina is then returned through the scanning system and then converted to electrical impulses by highly sensitive photo‑diodes. These impulses are in turn digitized and formatted to create the image.
The scanning laser system is managed by Optos’ proprietary software application suite. Optos has developed “Capture Software” which enables the operation of the Panoramic200, including the facilitation of patient imaging. Additionally Optos has developed “Viewing Software” which enables the optomap® to be extensively reviewed, manipulated, measured and annotated in the presence of the patient, thus enhancing the practitioner’s information and the patient’s education.
Optos has also developed reporting software which provides the practitioner with information on how well the device is being utilized, as well as providing Optos with information enabling preventative maintenance to be performed on the device if necessary. Patient demographic data and disease information can be recorded during every optomap®, and is capable of being collated into a useable data base. The company regularly updates this software in order to improve the ease of use of the device and to increase the quantity and quality of information which the practitioner can obtain when reviewing the optomap® image.
In December 2005 the World Economic Forum named Optos as one of ten companies worldwide as a Technology Pioneer for 2006 in the Biotechnology and Health category. A total of 97 companies were nominated in the fields of Biotech/Health, Energy and Information Technology. To be selected, the World Economic Forum states that a company must be innovative, its technology proven, have the potential for long-term impact on business and society, show signs of being a market leader and demonstrate visionary leadership.