University of Rostock University Eye Hospital

Rostock Cornea Modul:
Three-dimensional laser diagnostics for patients with diabetic retinopathy University of Rostock
The experimental developments of a research group led by Prof. Rudolf Guthoff at the University of Rostock Eye Clinic now allow three-dimensional imaging of the cornea – something that was previously scarcely considered possible – and could, among other things, be used for improved diagnosis of nerve damage among diabetic patients (diabetic retinopathy). New diagnostics for nerve damage caused by diabetes For some years now, the University of Rostock Eye Clinic has been working on the development of imaging techniques that provide microscopic views of a patient‘s cornea. In cooperation with Heidelberg Engineering GmbH (Dossenheim), we developed a marketable device that is based on laser scanning technology. In the meantime, further advances permit us to produce three-dimensional images of the human cornea in a way that used to be considered virtually impossible.In recent months it became apparent that the nerves running through the cornea may be used as an indicator of damage in the  peripheral nerve system in diabetics. In cooperation with the Karlsruhe-based Institute for Technology and the University of Leipzig we were also able to develop software modules for quantifying the level of nerve damage.
Today, this method is already being used in the United States, Australia and Manchester, England, where the positive
results of the scientists in Rostock could be confirmed. We expect this technology to replace the previous need for
collecting biopsies from the skin of diabetics and provide a non-invasive way to monitor nerve changes caused by degenerative diseases, especially diabetes. We are currently conducting clinical studies in cooperation with the Südstadt Rostock Medical Center and the Institute for Clinical Diabetology at the German Diabetes Center of Heinrich Heine University in Duesseldorf.