The Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine (Odesa) received a grant from the National Research Foundation of Ukraine for the study of ophthalmic biological markers and the development of an objective method for early diagnosis of adverse stress-associated psychological changes in the human condition.

As the institute told Interfax-Ukraine, the research will allow for early diagnosis of participants in any crises, both global (such as war, man-made or natural disasters, pandemics, etc.) and local (road accidents, domestic violence, terrorist attacks, etc.).

It is noted that scientists from the Filatov Institute have already conducted a number of studies in the field of hardware-instrumental determination of signs of stress-associated disorders based on ophthalmological markers: analysis of eye movement data and changes in pupil parameters.

“Further research, combined with the creation of clear and easy-to-use software for quickly processing the data obtained, should become the basis of a method that will ensure the objectivity of research, the ability to determine the threat of developing stress-related disorders in the presence of symptoms insufficient for a clinical diagnosis,” the Institute commented.

In addition, the short time required for research and data processing will make it suitable for use in mass diagnostic activities (screening), the report clarifies.

According to the Ministry of Health, after the end of the war, more than 15 million Ukrainians will require psychological support. Those directly involved in combat suffer the most from psychological trauma. The number of victims affected, for example, by war syndromes ranges from 35% to 70% of all participants in hostilities, regardless of whether they were in the combat zone or not.