Heartbeat: Eye can see clearly now

April 3, 2020

Clinicians at Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) are using state-of-the-art monitoring equipment as part of a trial which aims to improve the quality of life for children with a life-limiting disease.

We are working with Heartlands Hospital, in a trial which assesses whether the drug risdiplam eases visual problems in youngster suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

For each eye test, patients are seen by the research nurse, orthoptist, optometrist, photographer and ophthalmologist.

As part of the study, equipment worth up to £70,000 is being used by ophthalmologists which enables them to scan the back of the eyes.

They are monitoring five patients over a period of two years.

Abdul-Jabbar Ghauri, Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Paediatric Ophthalmology Service Lead, explained: “We are monitoring our patients who have SMA and are part of the trial for potential visual problems.

“The paediatric ophthalmology department has received some cutting edge devices in the form of an Aurora handheld camera and a Bioptigen handheld Optical Coherence Tomography.

“These allow us to take photographs and special scans of the back of the eye in patients who are not mobile enough to use our desk mounted equipment for example, those who are wheelchair users.

“The equipment is also being used in a similar manner for our other patients and has been particularly helpful in examining premature babies with retinopathy of prematurity.”

SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular condition, affecting approximately one in 6,000 babies born worldwide each year.

It is typically diagnosed in children and causes muscles to weaken and waste away. Depending on its severity, people with the disease will have difficulties moving, eating, and in some cases breathing, making them increasingly dependent on parents and caregivers.

Mr Ghauri added: “The equipment is particularly useful in children as it is small and not intimidating. Taking photographs helps us to document any problems and is also useful when explaining the condition to parents.”