In a groundbreaking development, the 2023 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award recognizes the pioneering work of James G. Fujimoto of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, David Huang from the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, and Eric A. Swanson, also from MIT. Their invention, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), has revolutionized ophthalmology by enabling the rapid and non-invasive detection of retinal diseases that can impair vision.

A Visionary Breakthrough
Before OCT, diagnosing eye disorders, including leading causes of blindness like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, relied on clinical examinations with limited depth resolution and subjective assessments. Intrusive procedures and intravenous dye injections often came with unpleasant side effects.

The inspiration for OCT came from a 1971 study on ultrahigh-speed photography, which suggested the possibility of “seeing through the human skin” using light beams. Fujimoto’s expertise in ultrashort lasers led to initial experiments, but they were slow, inefficient, and expensive.

A breakthrough occurred when MD-PhD student David Huang successfully applied short coherence-length interferometry to measure corneal thickness in a cow eye. Later, Eric A. Swanson, an expert in optical communications, joined forces with Fujimoto, propelling the research further.

The Birth of OCT
Combining interferometry with fiber optics, the team drastically improved OCT’s speed, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. Huang’s discovery of differentiating layers within the retina, coupled with Swanson’s expertise, allowed them to create cross-sectional, high-resolution images of the retina. This marked the birth of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

A Medical Game-Changer
In 1991, the team published their findings, revealing OCT’s exceptional ability to capture microscopic details of the retina. OCT soon became indispensable in ophthalmology, allowing for the early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. It proved particularly valuable in guiding treatments for age-related macular degeneration.

OCT Today and Beyond
Over the last three decades, OCT has continued to evolve and is now a standard tool in eye care, with approximately 30 million ophthalmic procedures conducted annually. Beyond ophthalmology, OCT holds promise in fields such as cardiology, surgical guidance, gastroenterology, dermatology, and more.

In the wake of this remarkable achievement, We, OneMedPro, extend its heartfelt gratitude to doctors worldwide. Your dedication to the well-being of patients and your tireless efforts in advancing medical science are truly commendable.

In a world where medical innovation continues to shape the future of healthcare, your role as healthcare heroes remains indispensable. OneMedPro stands with you, supporting your journey as you continue to save lives, extend lifespans, and improve the well-being of countless individuals.

As we celebrate the transformative impact of OCT on ophthalmology, we salute all doctors for their unwavering commitment to healing and hope. Together, we look forward to a brighter and healthier future.

OneMedPro is committed to helping doctors find their ideal placements in hospitals and healthcare institutions. We believe that by connecting you with the right opportunities, we can further amplify the impact of your invaluable work and contribute to the betterment of healthcare around the world.

Note: The information in this news article is based on the original article published by Lasker.