REPLACING PASSWORDS & IDENTIFYING PATIENTS
Over the past few years there have been great strides in technology, especially when it comes to personal identification & security. As you know, one of the longest running methods of personal identification is the fingerprint system. Dental records have also been commonly used. As technology has improved over the last several years, a new form of identification has developed. This technology maps the unique crypts (or pits) of your IRIS. Because each iris (colored part of the eye) is unique in its design, a “fingerprint of your eye” can be mapped. In eye care, this is referred to as IRIS RECOGNITION.
This technology can be used to enhance your outcome with laser vision correction (LASIK or PRK). Iris photos are taken with a sophisticated, computerized camera before surgery. The images are saved & loaded into the laser at the time of surgery. The laser’s computer is then able to use iris recognition to identify that the correct eye is being treated as well as ensure proper alignment and delivery of treatment precisely where it belongs.
Because of iris recognition, the laser can actually adjust the treatment to compensate for the slight cyclorotation of the eyes (clockwise or counterclockwise movement) which naturally occurs when we lie down. How’s that for precision?!
This technology to improve accuracy of treatment is possible because each iris is unique, just like your fingerprints. In fact, iris recognition is more accurate than fingerprints, as the skin can change over time from cuts on hands, general wear & tear, etc.
Perhaps in the near future, iris recognition will become more widely used for security purposes. Maybe it will even replace the need for passwords, keys, and ID cards…only time will tell!
Written by Bart W., Technician with Miwaukee Eye Care Associates
