They develop a device to diagnose dry eye syndrome, with purified C02 and an "onion effect"

ALICANTE, 28 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Tearful spin-off of the Miguel Hernández University Science Park (UMH) in Elche (Alicante) has developed a technology to diagnose and prevent dry eye syndrome, which causes symptoms such as itching, stinging, visual fatigue or blurred vision.

This instrument consists of an innovative system for emitting small amounts of purified CO2, a gaseous compound that is harmless to humans. For several seconds, the device directs a current of this gas to the eye, maximally stimulating the corneal surface and generating an "onion effect", thereby achieving maximum reflex secretion of tears.

It is a "unique on the market" technology, called i-Onion, that allows the maximum tear capacity of the eye to be determined, an effective indicator to determine if the person suffers from this disease or is at risk of suffering from it.

Subsequently, the sample is collected using a reagent strip and various parameters are analyzed. With this information, the professional can determine if the person suffers from this syndrome or if they are likely to develop it.

"The original shape of the i-Onion was quite different from the current one. People tend to be quite apprehensive when something is brought close to their eyes, so we decided to go for a design that was ergonomic and effective while transmitting a certain peace of mind to the user. patient," explains the scientific advisor and co-founder of the company, Carlos Belmonte, in a statement from the UMH.

Currently, the design is similar to the old Super 8 cameras, "a uniqueness that gives it a very striking appearance." Until now, according to Belmonte, there were no effective diagnostic tools to determine with certainty whether a patient has this syndrome, is likely to develop it, or could suffer from it as a consequence of elements such as contact lenses.

The device is the result of the work of the Ocular Neurobiology Research Group (ONG), which has more than 30 years of experience in the sector. With its focus on Europe and the United States, the company has signed agreements with "leading entities" in the field of ophthalmology, such as the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami and the Fernández Vega Ophthalmological Institute in Oviedo.

Dry eye syndrome affects between ten and 20 percent of the world's population and occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to stay hydrated. It is more common in older people, although it can appear at any age or be accentuated for reasons such as prolonged use of contact lenses or continuous use of screens, since when in front of this type of device one usually blinks less than half of the time. normal.