22 Healthy Living 2025 OPHTHALMOLOGY We have excellent infrastructure with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technology. Our focus is on glaucoma, cataracts and corneal transplantation. Our researchers develop ground-breaking know-how and skills by applying the technology of regenerative medicine. Scientific research focuses on integrating new diagnostics and therapies. TECHNOLOGY IN OPHTHALMOLOGY Here in Maastricht, we use a robotic laser in complex cases of cataracts. This is a technique that facilitates much more precise placement of the artificial lens. We use our results and experience of this procedure in academic research to further improve the technique. Artificial lenses are also constantly improving. We now have many types of artificial lenses, such as multifocal lenses, which can make reading glasses a thing of the past. We are currently working on reducing side-effects through more efficient use of medication, by investigating minuscule drug-releasing capsules that administer drugs locally in the eye. Regenerative medicine goes a step further. Examples are stem cells that can grow into clear lens cells to replace blurry cells. DATA SCIENCE Data-driven technology enables better customised healthcare, for example through clinical decision support and joint decision-making. We combine measurements made by the patient (e.g. using eHealth apps) with existing care. Healthcare and monitoring are becoming independent of time and place, which is altering the relationship between the person requesting care and the healthcare provider. This can be seen in our approach and vision relating to Our Healthcare of the Future (see 2 on page 38). Better use of data – including the availability of big data – requires adherence to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principle. It also requires an adjusted funding system, legislation, and digital skills among healthcare providers and patients. Finally, using data also means taking account of data protection, privacy and ethical issues. We have the knowledge and infrastructure at Maastricht UMC+ and Maastricht University to deal with these risks. In our educational and training programmes, we give attention to the wider implications of data-driven healthcare. DATA USE DataHub was founded by Maastricht UMC+ and Maastricht University. It ensures the registration, storage and accessibility of data for the whole of Maastricht UMC+, so that clinicians and researchers have access to the same data. By combining data in the right way, we can arrive at ‘smarter’ predictive models. Such a model can indicate, for instance, that treating a tumour with radiation therapy will reduce the risk of recurrence to 70 percent, whereas adding chemotherapy will reduce that risk to 40 percent. However, the risk of side-effects is greater. Of course, the model cannot indicate whether treatment option A or B should be chosen. This is why patients have a major say in this decision. Models will improve over the years, because the more data are included, the more accurate the predictions will be. The Personal Health Train concept initiated partly by Maastricht UMC+, which has been applauded by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, plays an important role in this. We collaborate with numerous knowledge institutes in this area. The strength of the model is that we share our knowledge with colleagues all over the world.
Visiedocument_Healthy_Living_2025
To see the actual publication please follow the link above