5Ws of the Eye-Safe Laser

A novel diagnostic device works by scanning the back of the eye where the optic nerve sits. (Image: Professor P. Goldberg Oppenheimer and Dr. Carl Banbury)

WHO

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have developed a novel diagnostic device to detect traumatic brain injury (TBI) by shining a safe laser into the eye.

WHAT

It is hard to diagnose TBI at the point of injury. The new diagnostic device is fast, precise, and non-invasive for the patient, can provide information on the severity of the trauma, and will be suitable to be used on-site — at the roadside, on the battlefield, or on the sports pitch — to assess TBI. The new technique is dramatically different from other diagnostic methods and is expected to be developed into a hand-held device for use in the critical ‘golden hour’ after traumatic brain injury, when life-critical decisions on treatment must be made. The device incorporates a Class 1, CE-marked, eye-safe laser and a unique Raman spectroscopy system, which uses light to reveal the biochemical and structural properties of molecules by detecting how they scatter light, to detect the presence and levels of known biomarkers for brain injury. It works by scanning the back of the eye where the optic nerve sits. Because the optic nerve is so closely linked to the brain, it carries the same biological information in the form of protein and lipid biomarkers. These biomarkers exist in a very tightly regulated balance, meaning even the slightest change may have serious effects on the brain health. TBI causes these biomarkers to change, indicating that something is wrong.

WHERE

University of Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

WHY

There is an urgent need for new technologies to improve the timeliness of TBI diagnosis, caused by sudden shock or impact to the head, which can cause mild to severe injury to the brain.

WHEN

The device is now ready for further evaluation including clinical feasibility and efficacy studies, and patient acceptability. The researchers expect the diagnostic device to be developed into a portable technology which is suitable for use in point-of-care conditions.

For more information, contact Ruth Ashton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..