Retinal devices: how improved technical capability saved my sight

The next day, I was advised to make my way directly to the eye clinic at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. After a couple of examinations, I was told that the hole in my retina had been there for a long time and, despite being asymptomatic, could potentially become a tear. After a discussion with the consultant, it was recommended that I get immediate laser surgery. I am always curious about the inner workings of devices. So out of curiosity, I asked the doctor some technical questions. I was told that the laser which would be used to cauterise the tissue around the retinal hole was 600mW with a spot size of 200 micron. I calculated this to be 19 million watts per square metre, an eye watering power density albeit for a short 100 milliseconds or so.

As Head of Electronics Engineering at Team Consulting, it was a real change of perspective to be on the receiving end of a medical device. I was impressed by the retinal camera with its wonderful resolution and image storage capability but also by the human/computer interface on the laser which inherently prevents set-up errors. 

Without the technical capability of these devices, the dedication of the optician to spot the problem and the diligence of the clinic’s staff to assess and intervene with the right treatment, my eyesight may have been changed forever.

At Team Consulting, we are often involved in discussions with clients about the classification and regulatory pathway for their device. It can be tempting to water down the medical claims to save time and money on development, verification and validation. 

Get in touch if you need help with your medical device challenge.