For an Ailing Retina, Instant Diagnosis From Afar

July 3, 2003 | Source: New York Times

Telemedicine researchers are sending digitized photographs of people’s eyes to ophthalmologists via high-speed Internet for remote examinations.

The cameras can be used to identify eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity.

The recent introduction of six-megapixel cameras for $1,500 and 10-megapixel cameras for $5,000 to $8,000, and a sharp drop in the prices of high-definition monitors have aided the cause.