Download vision technology reaches for the stars

VISION TECHNOLOGY
REACHES FOR THE STARS
You’ve probably heard of the Hubble Telescope, which is world-famous for its
ability to see billions of light years into space. But you might not know about its
next-generation successor. The James Webb Space Telescope, planned to launch in
2018, will boast a magnifying power 100 times that of the Hubble Telescope. And it’s
technology developed by Abbott scientists that allow this unprecedented level of optical
precision.
In 1990, astronomers working on the Hubble Telescope realized that a very small
distortion in one of the lens mirrors was causing blurry images. They quickly learned
that even a tiny irregularity can distort the optic system and blur its ability to see far
into the distance. The same is true of the human eye—small imperfections can have a
profound effect on your vision. The surface of the eye is almost never perfectly smooth;
so providing an accurate map for ophthalmologists preparing to perform a procedure is
essential.
That’s why Abbott scientists set out to develop a tool that delivers more accurate, higher
resolution measurement of the visual system. iDesign Dx uses wavefront measurement
similar to the laser technology used to check for imperfections in the mirrors of the
James Webb Space Telescope—imperfections that would prevent a clear view into
the outer reaches of space. It also gives doctors a new tool for looking at the human
optic system at a microscopic level. They can get a clearer blueprint of a patient’s
eye to better understand imperfections known as “refractive errors,” and create a
perfectly tailored solution. It’s innovations like these that prove when it comes to vision
technology, we’ve truly entered the space age.
Source:
http://hubblesite.org/hubble_discoveries/10th/vault/timeline.html. Accessed 4/2/2014.
Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by
a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before
trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.