Did you know that the cells in the corneas of your eyes don’t regenerate or regrow? So over time, these cells can 
decrease through aging and damage. This can lead to decreased eye site and even blindness, if not treated properly. Before determining the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for cornea damage, technicians and doctors at the Sussex Eye Hospital need to determine how many good healthy cornea cells a patient has.
Previously, the team had used testing equipment and experience to make the best decisions they could for patients. Now, thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters of the BSUH Charity, a fully automated Specular Microscope is available for extremely accurate, informational, and objective decision-making. The microscope uses a non-invasive technique to take images of the structure and cellular make-up of the cornea. After only a couple of minutes, technicians can print out results of the procedure which show the curvature of the eye, the number of healthy cells, and other information needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Mr Nanavaty demonstrating the speed and accuracy of the specular microscope.
With this new machine, Consultant Opthalmic Surgeons like Mr. Mayank A. Nanavaty receive a clear picture of the eye. When asked about the Specular Microscope, Mr Nanavaty shared, “The new microscope is incredibly useful. The specificity of the results ensures we have objective assessment of corneal pathology to decide on the treatments and procedures for patients. We use the images of the results to determine if patients need a cornea transplant, and to follow-up with patients after they’ve had an operation. By taking further images to help us monitor progress, we can also determine if patients need any changes to their medications post-operation, and if they are recovering as expected. It has really benefited the team and significantly improved the care we can give to patients at the Sussex Eye Hospital.”
Since it was installed, only three weeks ago, the Specular Microscope has been used to assess 83 patients. This machine will help determine the diagnosis and treatment for thousands of patients.
