Exposure of dark retinal cells

2009/05/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza
• Fisika

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester has developed a demonstration technique of dark retinal cells. These cells do not receive light, but are essential to constantly reactivate those who receive it. Therefore, many eye diseases are related to dark cell degeneration and the new technique can help the diagnosis before the patient perceives symptoms.

The technique uses toxins that cause the disease. They are molecules that have some fluorescence. Researchers illuminate the retina with green and blue light and, if there are toxins, dark cells emit fluorescent light. However, this is a very low intensity light in which researchers have had to use an optical adaptation technique used in telescopes to detect fluorescence. The technique will allow investigating the degenerative process itself.