MacuMap

About

STFC and Cardiff University have developed a novel imaging ophthalmic instrument, known as MacuMap. MacuMap delivers a unique insight into the functional performance of the retina and it is anticipated that the instrument could enable earlier AMD diagnosis. Preliminary tests are underway and a larger clinical study is planned. STFC will continue to support development of MacuMap and subject to successful clinical trials, the instrument will be sold to clinicians and researchers across the ophthalmology market. MacuMap makes use of a new technique known as Imaging Retinal Densitometry (IRD). This is an extension of retinal densitometry and gives a repeatable, objective assessment of the functional response of the retina to illumination. The outputs are topographic retinal images providing data about retinal light sensitivity. The functional nature of the data makes it highly complementary to the structural data available via fundus cameras or optical coherence tomography (OCT) techniques. A prototype instrument has been constructed and is currently undergoing extensive testing. A small preliminary study has been completed and revealed encouraging results. At present, no regulatory filing has been completed although preparations are underway to enable a larger clinical trial in the near future.