Free app for diabetics to monitor risk of sight-threatening diseases and blindness
The Icelandic start-up company Risk Medical Solutions has launched a new app that empowers diabetics to monitor their individualized risk of developing sight-threatening diseases. This is a unique and important tool as diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause for blindness in the world. The app, Retina Risk App, is free of charge and the goal is to distribute it to as many diabetics as possible, as soon as possible, around the world.
RISK Medical Solutions was founded by academics at the University of Iceland and medical staff at Landspítali University Hospital who have vast experience in monitoring sight threatening diseases in diabetics and providing treatment. Einar Stefánsson, professor at the University of Iceland and Chair of the Landspítali University Hospital Department of Ophthalmology is among those who developed the app. Einar is one of the University's most prominent entrepreneur. Arna Guðmundsdóttir, MD – Diabetologist at Landspítali University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Thor Aspelund, professor at the Centre of Public Health Sciences, and Jóhann Pétur Malmquist, Jóhann Pétur Malmquist, professor at the University's Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science were also involved in the making of the app.
"The app empowers diabetics to become more involved in their health care decision making. It supports patient self-management by showing diabetics the importance of regular eye examinations and seeking medical assistance in a timely manner. Systematic eye screening and preventive treatment are known to dramatically reduce diabetic blindness. The app allows diabetics to assess in real-time their individualized risk for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, based on their risk profile, and to track the progression of the disease over time," says Einar Stefánsson.
Einar says that the Retina Risk App empowers diabetics to become more involved in their health care decision-making. It is user friendly and includes detailed guidelines and useful information on diabetes and improved self-care, which allows diabetics to better understand their condition and become active participants in their own wellness journey.
"The algorithm at the core of the Retina Risk App is based on extensive international research on risk factors known to affect the progression of diabetic retinopathy, such as duration of diabetes, gender, blood pressureand blood glucose (HbA1c) levels," says Einar who has worked a large part of his career on research on eye diseases affiliated with diabetics.
Einar Stefánsson, who is well know in the global community and has received many awards for his research work, encourage all who struggle with diabetes to download the app; see below:
