A technique used by astronomers is being used to produce better contact lenses
it is a case of astronomy coming to the aid of medicine. A technique used by astronomers known as adaptive optics is being applied to the human eye to get a sharper picture and possibly better contact lenses. Adaptive optics is the technique by which astronomers correct the blurred images in their telescopes caused by atmospheric turbulence. This is done with the aid of a 'deformable' mirror that changes its shape to correct for the distortion caused by the atmosphere.
Now D Williams at the University of Rochester has used the same approach to get the most accurate map of the retina. Further, scientists at the University of Rochester and at Bausch and Lomb are working on the problem of using a deformable mirror which will use the information previously gathered about the imperfections in the eye to correct for them. Apart form designing better contact lenses, this approach will also prove to be very useful in the diagnosis of retinal diseases ( The American Institute of Physics, www.aip.org ).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.