New kit checks for cataracts in Poole newborn babies
University Hospitals Dorset is assessing the eyes of little ones
A Dorset research department is leading the way in helping to detect cataracts in newborn babies.
University Hospitals Dorset are looking at whether digital imagining using a handheld camera is more accurate than a medical eye torch.
Around 1 in 3,000 babies are affected by cataracts each year - and early surgery is vital to prevent permanent sight loss.
The kit's being used at Poole Hospital - Nina Vanner, paediatric research nurse there said:
“We’re really pleased to be one of a handful of maternity units across the country selected to take on this trial.
“All babies born in the UK are screened for cataract twice. Despite this, late diagnosis of cataract continues to be a problem, causing avoidable visual impairment in some affected children.
“The Neocam takes a picture of babies’ eyes using both infrared and green light. Previous small-scale studies have shown that this photoscreening technique can make childhood cataract detection easier.
“The DIvO ((Digital Imaging versus Ophthalmoscopy) study allows us to more accurately assess any issues of vision that a newborn may have, which will in turn enable faster diagnosis, referral, and surgery if required.
“The study will be open at UHD for a year and we’re hoping to assess 1,200 babies within that time, which is a brilliant contribution to the research trial and great news for our local community.”