Zilia, a Canadian health technology company based in Quebec City, has achieved a world-first milestone with Health Canada's approval of the Zilia Ocular™, the first device globally authorized to measure oxygen saturation in the eye. This breakthrough technology represents a significant advancement in non-invasive ocular diagnostics and has the potential to transform eye care practices.
Revolutionary Retinal Imaging Technology
The Zilia Ocular is a revolutionary retinal camera equipped with patented optical technology that enables non-invasive measurement of oxygenation in the eye. This metabolic biomarker provides eye care professionals with an entirely new window into the physiological state of the eye, with the primary goal of detecting issues well before structural damage occurs.
"This represents a true paradigm shift," said Dr. Patrick Sauvageau, optometrist, CEO and co-founder of Zilia. "By measuring retinal oxygenation in real time, we aim to help clinicians detect and manage eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration more effectively."
Advancing Oculomics and Preventive Medicine
The approval positions Zilia at the forefront of oculomics, an emerging field that uses the eye as a gateway to assess overall health. As this field gains traction globally, biomarkers like oxygen saturation are paving the way for a more preventive, personalized, and data-driven approach to medicine. The Zilia Ocular introduces a layer of analysis that was previously inaccessible in clinical settings.
Commercial Launch and Expansion Plans
Zilia plans to launch its device in Canada in the coming months, followed by expansion into the United States and Europe. The company is developing a groundbreaking platform to non-invasively measure biomarkers in the eye, with an initial focus on ocular oximetry.
Technology Integration
By integrating advanced photonics and artificial intelligence, Zilia's first-of-kind technology is intended to leverage the eye's optical properties and direct connections to the vascular system and the brain to capture critical information on ocular and overall health. This comprehensive approach positions the device as a significant advancement in both ocular diagnostics and broader health monitoring capabilities.
