| abstract |
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device and method for detecting an amyloid protein in an eye of a mammal. A method comprises illuminating the eye with a light source having at least one of a wavelength property, a polarization property or a combination thereof, each appropriate to produce fluorescence in at least an amyloid-binding compound when the amyloid-binding compound is bound to the amyloid protein, the amyloid- binding compound having been introduced to the eye and specifically binding to the amyloid protein indicative of the amyloidogenic disorder; and determining a time decay rate of fluorescence for at least the fluorescence produced by the amyloid- binding compound bound to the amyloid protein, the determining permitting distinguishing of the presence of the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein in the eye based on at least the time decay rate. |