The Iris Monitor is clinically proven to enable concussion patients to use computers without the painful symptoms caused by exposure to LCD screens
TORONTO, ON – April 11, 2018 –Iris Technologies, a Canadian assistive technology start-up founded by two Queen’s University graduates, is offering concussion patients a faster road back to work and the classroom. With the launch of their flagship product - The Iris Monitor - they offer the world’s first computer monitor clinically proven to help concussion patients reduce the painful symptoms of light sensitivity when using a computer.
Co-founders Conor Ross and Colin Harding are passionate about making a difference in the lives of concussion patients. “When my brother suffered a concussion two years ago, painful light sensitivity kept him out of school and away from his friends for a long-time, which made him feel isolated. Ever since then, we have been committed to developing assistive technologies to help concussion patients regain control of their lives and reconnect with society,” said Conor.
The Iris Monitor features a unique 13.3” e-paper screen, which uses magnetized polymer to create shapes on the display, as opposed to the light modulating liquid crystals of a typical LCD computer screen. By adapting current monitor technology, The Iris Monitor features a screen that is not constantly refreshing and is not backlit. For post-concussion syndrome sufferers, symptoms triggered by light and motion are significantly reduced. This allows users to reintroduce daily computer tasks and increase their level of productivity.
With an overwhelming one in five Canadians affected by sport-related concussion injury (see ref 1) and 1.5 million currently living with a brain injury (see ref 2), the inability of many concussion patients to return to work is costing patients, businesses and insurers significant financial losses.
“My most painful concussion symptom to date has been severe sensitivity to light, which made using my computer next to impossible,” said David Goldband, Vice President at Grant Thornton, a Toronto-based accounting firm. “Not only has The Iris Monitor allowed me to use my computer again and get back to work much sooner, it helped me reconnect with my friends and family online.”
In a recent clinical trial, The Iris Monitor enabled concussion patients to use their computers longer, with a significant reduction in the often painful symptoms caused by the light sensitivity typically triggered by liquid crystal display (LCD) screens (see ref 3).
“Computer screen intolerance due to light sensitivity occurs in up to 43 per cent of individuals facing ongoing symptoms after a concussion. In severe cases, painful symptoms such as photophobia and light sensitivity can last several years or even permanently,” said Dr. Charles Tator, neurosurgeon and Director of the Canadian Concussion Centre at Toronto Western Hospital who led the clinical study of the Iris Monitor. “Clinical study participants who used the monitor reported fewer exacerbated symptoms, an increased ability to focus, and that the screen was easier on the eyes.” Iris Technologies is already seeing positive interest and demand for The Iris Monitor. Pilot programs testing the device are already underway at top-tier educational institutions and other large organizations including the University of Toronto, Appleby College, Ivy League schools, an insurance company, the Government of Ontario and a selection of human resources departments and occupational therapy clinics.
About Iris Technologies:
Iris Technologies is an assistive technology start-up founded in 2015 by Queen’s University graduates, Conor Ross and Colin Harding, focused on shortening the journey from a concussion back to a normal life. Iris Technologies now works out of the Biomedical Zone, a physician led healthcare technology incubator.
1. http://nationalpost.com/sports/one-in-five-canadians-have-suffered-concussions-playing-sports-angus-reidinstitute-poll-says
2. http://braininjurycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/BIAC-Fact-Sheet-2014.pdf
3. http://www.uhn.ca/corporate/News/PressReleases/Pages/NonLCD_technology_shows_promise_for_return_to_work_school_for_postconcussion_syndrome_sufferers.aspx