An
experiment that began by testing the properties of quantum entanglement has led
to the discovery of a new diagnostic tool that could help optometrists detect
macular degeneration much earlier than was previously possible.
University
of Waterloo researchers from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) set
out to test the human eye’s ability to perceive one of the properties of quantum
entanglement but quickly realized that the tool they created to test their
theory had an immediate practical use.
The
IQC researchers then teamed up with researchers from the School of Optometry
and Vision Science to use their work to design a unique form of light
that is visible to people with healthy eyes, but not to people whose eyesight
is degenerating.
“This
started as an experiment to see how people can directly perceive a
quintessential property of quantum entanglement,” said Dusan Sarenac, lead
IQC researcher on the project. “But the collaboration quickly showed that
these quantum applications can help humans right now.”
A
person with healthy eyes can detect polarized light in the form of a
blurry spot in their field of vision – a phenomenon known as Haidinger’s brush.
But those with unhealthy eyes – macular degeneration – can’t see it at all.
People
with an increased risk of developing macular degeneration would have a harder
time seeing and tracking the polarized light profiles, the researchers reasoned.
Intrigued by the hypothesis, the team prepared a unique form of light that
would have particular polarization capabilities not commonly found in
nature.
Using
this quantum technology, the vision science team, led by Andrew Silva, ran an
experiment with human participants. While a camera would only see a spot when
looking at the light, the majority of participants were able to discriminate
and respond to the profiles that are filtered by the healthy macula in the
human eye.
Based
on these findings, the team is currently developing a structured light
microscope that will allow optometrists to image and track physiology of the
eyes and in particular macular degeneration in patients. It is important,
though tricky, to detect macular degeneration early in order to achieve the
best treatment outcomes. Researchers aim to explore if this test will enable
the disease to be caught earlier than current tests.
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