Mobile Diagnostic and Communication Tools:

• Eye Netra, a low-cost app Designed to replace auto refractor.
• Massachusetts Eye and Ear developed a simple technique of fundus (retinal) photography using an I phone and an inexpensive app.
• A surgeon wearing Google Glass performed the world’s first surgery.
• Virtual reality augmentation tool-Future surgical training tool.

Robotics

• Femtosecond laser surgery
• Robotics may soon be used in vitreoretinal surgery

Genomics

• Lead to earlier and better treatment of eye-related ailments like diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa.

Retinal Prosthetics:

• FDA approved the use of Argus II, a bionic eye and The Atlas IMS – the first fully implantable, wirelessly controlled retinal prosthetic.

Allow the patients with retinitis pigmentosa and age related macular degeneration to see in black white.

Regenerative Medicine

• Transplant of a biosynthetic cornea occurred in 2010. It helps restore sight in the vast number of people who are currently waiting for a donated human cornea for transplantation.

Nanotechnology

• Researchers at the University of Dayton Research Institute recently created “fuzzy fiber” carbon nanotubes.
• Fuzzy Fibers are biocompatible and can help prevent the build-up of firbroblasts.
• It has a role in the treatment of Glaucoma and Macular degeneration.

Stem Cell Advances

• Innovative stem cell treatment – It has developed had corrected the eyesight of an individual with vision 20/400 vision to 20/40.
• Has a role in the treatment of Stargardt’s macular dystrophy.

Refractive Surgery and IOLs – Future Trends.

Accommodating IOL Channel-

• Patients after lens implantation will be able to achieve the vision of 20 to 40 year old emmetropic patient.
• Lens implants will be accommodating biconvex, 9 mm in diameter, customized and repeatedly adjustable in power, toricity and higher – order aberration, and insertable through a 1 – to 2 –mm incision.
• Multiple laser delivery systems and surgical interventions will be controlled through computer software and robotics.
• By 2100 genetic engineering will eliminate emetropia.
• Genetic testing of pregnant women and infants followed by gene modifying treatments that prevent the development of ametropias.