New way to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis could be game changer for patients

This exciting breakthrough from our top-rated Engineering department could make it easier and faster for people to find out if they have Multiple Sclerosis.

A novel approach

The eyes are directly connected to the brain, so they can show early signs of brain problems like Multiple Sclerosis.

Researchers have combined two types of eye scans with smart computer programmes that can spot tiny changes in the eye. These changes can be early signs of Multiple Sclerosis, even before other symptoms show up.

The two eye scans used are: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (IR-SLO).

By teaching computers to look at these scans, doctors might be able to catch Multiple Sclerosis earlier than ever before.

Future possibilities

If this new approach becomes widely used, it could mean big changes for people with Multiple Sclerosis:

• Faster diagnosis
• Less invasive tests (no need for painful procedures)
• Earlier treatment, which could slow down the disease
• More comfortable experience (eye scans are quick and painless)

While these results are exciting, more research is needed before this method can be used in hospitals and clinics everywhere.

Researchers want to test it on larger groups of people to make sure it works well for everyone.

*Note - the image above is an AI generated graphic.

Find out more

• Learn more about the work of Dr Raheleh Kafieh.
• Read the full paper published in the journal ARVO.
• Interested in studying at Durham? Explore our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Our Department of Engineering is ranked fourth in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025. Visit our Engineering webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.