Electrophysiology Instrument Detects Early Glaucoma

An electrophysiology instrument has been developed for the early detection of glaucoma.

The device, called Glaid pattern electroretinogram (PERG) was introduced at the American Society for Cataract Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) in April 2008. It has U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Rockville, MD, USA) approval and the device is already being sold in the United States.

Paradigm Medical (Salt Lake City, UT, USA) has an exclusive agreement with LACE Elettronica (Rome, Italy) to distribute the latter's Glaid-PERG device, which was developed at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (Miami and Palm Beach, FL, USA) and other major ophthalmic centers in North America.

"Paradigm Medical is now taking this diagnostic tool from the research segment to the commercial marketplace, noted Raymond Cannefax, Paradigm Medical's CEO. We believe the PERG should be a mandatory test given to every individual who has a family history of glaucoma or is otherwise disposed to being a glaucoma suspect. And we believe it should be given as part of eye examinations to everyone over age 45 on a regular basis.

Glaucoma, caused by deterioration of the optic nerve and related ganglion cells, is the second leading cause of permanent vision loss. It affects one of five people over age 50. There are more than 64 million cases of glaucoma worldwide, including more than three million in the United States. The cost to the U.S. government related to glaucoma is estimated to be more than US$1.5 billion annually.

Paradigm Medical Industries, Inc. is a leader in ultrasound devices, glaucoma detection, and management products.


Related Links:
Paradigm Medical Industries
LACE Elettronica
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute