Retinalholesymptoms

The degree to which vision is affected will depend on the size and location of the macular hole, as well as the stage of its development.

A research team at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently developed a novel artificial compound eye system that is not only more cost-effective, but demonstrates a sensitivity at least twice that of existing market products in small areas. The system promises to revolutionize robotic vision, enhance robots' abilities in navigation, perception and decision-making, while promoting commercial application and further development in human-robot collaboration.

Living with a macularhole

The research paper was featured as the cover article in Science Robotics (Volume 9, Issue 90) in May 2024. The cover shows a fusion of an image composite of a robber fly’s eye on the left and an illustration of the pinhole compound eye on the right.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).

Prof. Fan said, “This compound eye design is simple, light and cheap. Although it won’t fully replace traditional cameras, it could be a huge boost in certain robotics applications, such as in a swarm of drones flying in close formation. By further miniaturizing the device size and increasing the number of ommatidia, imaging resolution, and response speed, this type of device can find broad applications in optoelectronics and robotics.”

Optical holeapp

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the current gold standard in the diagnosis, staging, and management of macular holes (Figure 1). This quick, non-invasive imaging technique allows for evaluation of the macula in high resolution using reflected light, and helps your doctor differentiate a hole from other eye conditions with similar symptoms. No laboratory tests are needed in cases of idiopathic macular holes (those without a known cause).

Macularholesymptoms

The most common symptom of macular hole is a gradual decline in the central (straight-ahead) vision of the affected eye.

This image was originally published in the ASRS Retina Image Bank. Eric A. Postel, MD, Duke Eye Center. Traumatic Macular Hole. Retina Image Bank 2012; Image 2858. © the American Society of Retina Specialists.

(From left) Prof. Fan Zhiyong and co-first authors Dr. Zhou Yu (postdoc), Dr. Sun Zhibo (postdoc), and Ding Yucheng (PhD student).

Macularholevision example

The macula is a small area in the center of the retina where light is sharply focused to produce the detailed color vision needed for tasks such as reading and driving. When a full-thickness defect develops in the macula, the condition is referred to as macular hole.

Vitrectomy has a success rate of over 90%, with patients regaining some or most of their lost vision. Potential complications of the procedure include cataract formation, retinal detachment, infection, glaucoma, bleeding, and re-opening or persistence of the macular hole (less than 10% of cases). Another potential treatment for some patients with macular holes is the injection of ocriplasmin (Jetrea®) into the vitreous. This drug helps to relieve vitreous traction on some macular holes.

To address these challenges, Prof. Fan’s team developed a pinhole compound vision system by adopting new materials and structures. This system features several key characteristics, including an inherent hemispherical perovskite nanowire array imager with high pixel density to enlarge the imaging field; and a 3D-printed lens-free pinhole array with a customizable layout to regulate incident light and eliminate the blind area between neighboring ommatidia (individual units within an insect’s compound eye). Owing to its good angular selectivity, a wide field of view, wide spectrum response in monocular and binocular configurations, as well as its dynamic motion tracking capability, the pinhole compound eye not only can accurately locate targets but can also track a moving quadruped robot after incorporated onto a drone.

The research work was published and featured as a cover article in top-tier international journal Science Robotics. Dr. ZHOU Yu (postdoc), Dr. SUN Zhibo (postdoc), and DING Yucheng (PhD student) are the co-first authors while Prof. Fan is the corresponding author.

Macularholesurgery

Vitrectomy is the most common treatment for macular holes. In this surgical procedure, the vitreous gel is removed to stop it from pulling on the retina, and most commonly a gas bubble is placed in the eye to gently hold the edges of the macular hole closed until it heals.

Traditionally, roboticists have mainly focused on replicating the visual capabilities of insects, which offer a wide field of view and advanced motion-tracking capabilities. However, integrating compound eye systems into autonomous platforms like robots or drones has been challenging as these systems often suffer from issues related to complexity and stability during deformation, geometry constraints, as well as potential mismatches between optical and detector components.

The patient may be asked to maintain a face-down position for several days, and in some cases up to 2 weeks, depending on the characteristics of the macular hole. This will allow the bubble to gradually dissolve and be replaced by natural eye fluids.

Macular hole commonly affects people over the age of 55 and most often occurs in women. The vast majority of cases develop spontaneously without an obvious cause. For this reason, there is currently no effective way to prevent their formation and development. If a macular hole develops in one eye, there is a 5% to 15% risk of one developing in the other eye.

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What causesholein retina

Mimicking the visual capabilities of compound eyes, this innovative system can be applied in a wide range of scenarios, such as installing on drones to improve their accuracy and efficiency in tasks like irrigation or emergency rescue in disaster sites. With its high sensitivity, the system can also enable closer collaboration among robots and other connected devices. In the long term, the compound eye system will enhance autonomous driving safety and accelerate the adoption of intelligent transport systems, fostering the development of smart cities.

As a renowned researcher in biomimetic optoelectronics, Prof. Fan is keen on combining practical approach with daring imaginations to drive innovative research. This unique compound eye work marks another breakthrough in the field of vision and robotic systems following his development of the world’s first spherical artificial eye with 3D retina in 2020.

In cases where the macular hole is very small and does not have a large impact on your vision, your doctor may not recommend any treatment at all. He or she may simply observe and track the macular hole’s progression or natural healing. In this case, it would be important to have regular follow-up eye examinations as determined by your eye doctor to catch and treat any problems early.

Developed by the team led by Prof. FAN Zhiyong, Chair Professor at HKUST’s Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering and Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, this groundbreaking technology represents a significant leap forward in the field of biomimetic vision systems.