Polyphotonix

Hewitt, Ian (2013) Polyphotonix. [Artefact]

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Abstract

How can we combine new medical knowledge with new printed electronic technology making non-invasive treatment more accessible to patients in their own home suffering from eye diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy and Age Related Macular Degeneration.

The UK alone has seen a dramatic increase in diabetes. Since 1996 the number of sufferers has increased from 1.4 million to 2.8 million and it is estimated that by 2025 the number will increase to 5 million sufferers. Worldwide, the current number of people suffering from diabetes is estimated around 366 million, all of whom are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Currently wet age related macular degeneration is treated with Lucentis, the trade name for Ranibizumab. This is injected into the eyes once a month at a cost of around £1000 per injection. This is a very painful and terrifying experience with the possible risk of infection that goes along with any injection.

Recent medical research conducted by Professor Geoffrey Arden, Professor of Opthamology at City University of London, has explored the use of light therapy to reduce the effects of diabetic retinopathy. A prototype device was created in his lapsed patent; Method and devices for preventing retinal diseases W2005079716 A1 Publication 2005-09-01. This device uses conventional LED illumination for the treatment as is now commercially available; however this device is bulky, generates excessive heat and does not provide uniform illumination. The device is not CE approved.

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