Siloton delivers world-first for sight loss prevention with groundbreaking new chip technology
Access to better imaging could prevent retinal diseases from affecting millions
Contact: pressoffice@siloton.com
Improved diagnosis and treatment for eye diseases affecting the sight of millions across the globe has taken a major step forward, after Bristol-based health technology start-up Siloton became the first commercial organisation in the world to take a sub-surface image of a human retina using groundbreaking photonic chip technology.
An image of a human retina, taken with Akepa, Siloton's first-generation photonic chip. The image clearly displays important features that are important in diagnosing and monitoring eye disease.
Previously only achieved in academic settings, the image was obtained using Siloton’s first-generation optical coherence tomography (OCT) chip, called Akepa. OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique, similar to a high-resolution ultrasound, and is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring eye disease.
However, because of the size and cost of existing systems, the technology can only currently be accessed through hospitals and high-end optometrists. Akepa compresses a tabletop-worth of heavy, expensive, and fragile optical components onto a single piece of material smaller than a £1 coin.
Siloton's first-generation OCT chip (Akepa) with a British £1 coin for scale. Akepa replaces approximately 70% of the optics that are found in traditional OCT systems.
Conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic macular oedema affect millions of people worldwide, putting them at risk of blindness. More than 5% of the world's population – over 400 million people – live with a retinal condition [1].
AMD is the largest cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting more than 700,000 people [2], and last year the NHS reported that ophthalmology was the busiest outpatient speciality in secondary care, accounting for almost 10% of its waiting list [3]. Siloton’s technology could save the NHS more than £1 billion annually and allow patients to monitor their condition at home, rather than having to regularly attend hospital appointments.
Dr. Euan Allen, Siloton’s CTO, with the live-eye imaging setup onto which Akepa is mounted.
Dr. Alasdair Price, CEO of Siloton, said: “OCT scans are critical to providing the sight-saving eye care that almost everyone will eventually need. However, there is a chronic shortage of imaging devices throughout the world. The Siloton team has shown that we can use affordable and scalable technology to expand the reach of OCT systems, reducing preventable blindness, alleviating pressure on eye clinics, and potentially saving healthcare providers like the NHS billions each year.”
Mr. Winfried MK Amoaku, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Assoc Prof & Reader at the University of Nottingham, said: "OCT imaging is an essential part of modern eye medical care, and the NHS is experiencing intense capacity pressures in this area. The technology Siloton is developing can dramatically improve access to retinal imaging, alleviating pressures to maintain high-quality eye care and handle greater patient numbers".
Siloton recently secured £860,000 of new investment to support the development of its technology, taking its total funding to date to £1.7 million.
[1] Source: World Health Organisation [2] Source: Macular Society [3] Source: NHS
About Siloton
Siloton is on a mission to ensure people with eye disease can receive sight-saving eye scans wherever and whenever they need it. Siloton’s photonic chip technology will transform clinical-grade medical imaging systems into devices that can be accessed anywhere on or off planet Earth. They are supported by a number of key players in the ophthalmology space, including Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Macular Society. Their customers include the European Space Agency, who need a long-term solution to monitoring eye problems that astronauts frequently develop while in space.
Siloton closed its second investment round in July 2024, raising £860k to fund the development of an imaging setup for acquiring its first live eye image. This funding will also support ongoing revenue generating activities and ISO13485 accreditation.
To find out more, visit www.siloton.com or follow updates on Siloton’s LinkedIn page.
About Akepa
Akepa is Siloton’s first-generation OCT chip, comprising over 300 optical and electronic elements. With approximately 70% of the OCT system on-chip, this is already at the same level of integration as will be required in the final product. Akepa was fabricated in a commercial foundry, providing a clear route to high-volume manufacture at the scales required for widespread monitoring and treatment of retinal disease.
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