Lens autofluorescence test effective in detecting diabetes, prediabetes, study shows

Freedom Meditech announced the results of a lens autofluorescence study on Wednesday.

Researchers reported in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology that measurements from a lens autofluorescence test were effective in identifying diabetes compared to current hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose tests, according to the press release.

As detailed in the release, measurements of 233 participants, 180 patients without diabetes and 53 patients with diabetes or prediabetes, were taken using a ClearPath DS-120 Lens Fluorescence Biomicroscope, a technology developed by Freedom Meditech.

Results showed that the lens autofluorescence test detected type 2 diabetes with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 94%. The hemoglobin A1C test displayed a sensitivity of 44% and a specificity of 79%, and the fasting plasma glucose test displayed a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 95% in comparison, according to the release.

“A lens autofluorescence test takes 6 seconds, is noninvasive and does not require fasting. Furthermore, standard blood tests require blood draw and assay materials, and create biohazard waste,” John Burd, PhD, chief science officer at Freedom Meditech, said in the release. “A lens autofluorescence test may benefit individuals with an aversion to blood draw and those that do not frequently visit their primary physician. We see great opportunities for growth within eye care, integrated delivery networks and corporate health and wellness programs where the patient populations are enriched for undiagnosed diabetes.”

The eye scan technology identifies advanced glycation products in the lens of the eye, which studies have shown are associated with uncontrolled glucose levels, according to the release. Freedom Meditech told Primary Care Optometry News that the test is currently on the market and is in use by physicians across the country.