A Novel Device to Exploit the Smartphone Camera for Fundus Photography.

Andrea Russo,Francesco Morescalchi,Francesco Semeraro,Ciro Costagliola,Luisa Delcassi

doi:10.1155/2015/823139

Andrea Russo, Francesco Morescalchi + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/823139

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Abstract

Purpose. To construct an inexpensive, convenient, and portable attachment for smartphones for the acquisition of still and live retinal images. Methods. A small optical device based on the principle of direct ophthalmoscopy was designed to be magnetically attached to a smartphone. Representative images of normal and pathological fundi were taken with the device. Results. A field-of-view up to ~20° was captured at a clinical resolution for each fundus image. The cross-polarization technique adopted in the optical design dramatically diminished corneal Purkinje reflections, making it possible to screen patients even through undilated pupils. Light emission proved to be well within safety limits. Conclusions. This optical attachment is a promising, inexpensive, and valuable alternative to the direct ophthalmoscope, potentially eliminating problems of poor exam skills and inexperienced observer bias. Its portability, together with the wireless connectivity of smartphones, presents a promising platform for screening and telemedicine in nonhospital settings. Translational Relevance. Smartphones have the potential to acquire retinal imaging for a portable ophthalmoscopy.

Highlights

Retinal imaging has considerably improved since the first photographic images of the ocular fundus were taken near the end of the 19th century [1].Traditionally, this approach has relied upon expensive and bulky tabletop units, operated by a trained technician in a hospital/clinic setting
A small optical device based on the principle of direct ophthalmoscopy was designed to be magnetically attached to a smartphone
D-Eye works on the principles of direct ophthalmoscopy and exploits the smartphone camera’s autofocus capability to account for a patient’s refractive error

Summary

Introduction

Retinal imaging has considerably improved since the first photographic images of the ocular fundus were taken near the end of the 19th century [1] This approach has relied upon expensive and bulky tabletop units, operated by a trained technician in a hospital/clinic setting. Portable fundus cameras have recently become commercially widespread, but these are often costly or remain difficult to use in an ergonomic, hand-held manner [3,4,5]. To overcome these limitations, we took advantage of physicians’ pervasive adoption of smartphones, which are equipped nowadays with state-of-the-art cameras.

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Results

Conclusion