Diopsys launches new Vision Testing System to detect optic nerve disease

Diopsys, Inc. has launched the new Diopsys® NOVA-DN VEP Vision Testing System to help optometrists and ophthalmologists detect optic nerve disease, including glaucoma and other neuro-visual disorders.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, reports the World Health Organization. According to Prevent Blindness America, glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight" because half of all patients who have it do not know it.  Many optic nerve disorders, such as glaucoma and ischemic optic neuropathy, are asymptomatic since central vision may not be affected until later stages of the disease. Also, diagnosis and management of optic nerve disorders are often based on structural or visual field tests which are limited in their ability to detect disease early.  

The Diopsys® NOVA-DN allows clinicians to objectively assess optic nerve disease earlier than traditional vision tests because it uses Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) technology and proprietary software to evaluate the entire vision system from the eye to the visual cortex. "VEP is an objective, functional test that can help discriminate between healthy and glaucomatous eyes," says Alberto Gonzalez Garcia, M.D., neuro-ophthalmologist and Research Director at Diopsys, Inc. Optometrists and ophthalmologists may use VEP in addition to traditional testing methods to enhance diagnosis and treatment.

The Diopsys® NOVA-DN records the electrical response of a patient's entire vision system and provides easy-to-read reports that give the doctor a simple way to evaluate optic nerve function.  Physicians are able to compare tests over time to track disease progression.

Dr. Fran Bucciero of Family Vision Care in Springfield, NJ, one of the first eye care professionals to have the device in his office says, "I've been using the Diopsys® NOVA-DN in my practice to help me diagnose glaucoma patients, and to track their disease progression. Because of the straightforward reports, I am able to show my patients how well their treatment is working which helps enormously with treatment compliance."