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In yet another instance of personal technology aiding medicine, iPads have been shown effective in screening for glaucoma that is second leading cause for blindness.

A team of researchers screened 200 patients in Nepal with the application 'Visual Fields Easy'. Nearly half the eyes screened were healthy eyes while the other half was glaucoma affected. The results were then compared with traditional visual field test, which is the present day standard for detecting glaucoma. The iPad screening and conventional testing results matched in 51 to 79 percent instances. The best results with the iPad screening were found in those with moderate to severe visual field loss, Business Standard reported.

"Although not perfect, the tablet glaucoma screening method could make a significant difference in remote locations where populations would not otherwise receive screening at all," said lead researcher Chris A. Johnson, of the University of Iowa.

Screening with iPad took just over three minutes which is much less than the time it takes for an optometrist to perform the industry standard Humphrey SITA Standard 24-2 test.   

Researchers believe that iPad screening could help people in countries where access to eye-care facilities is not easily available. It could also benefit high risk populations.

"The disease can be effectively treated; however, it generally does not present symptoms in its early stages, resulting in many patients being unaware that they suffer from the condition until it progresses to later stages. Early diagnosis can easily be achieved through a routine examination from an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. While it is relatively easy for patients with access to regular health care in developed nations to be screened for glaucoma during a routine eye examination, remote and underserved communities have limited or no access to such services, increasing their risk for glaucoma-related blindness," a press release mentioned.