Research on ophthalmic examination apparatus to diagnose multiple diseases which result in loss of eyesight

Abstract

PurposeIn Japan, the four major diseases which cause the loss of eyesight are glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, pigmentary retinal degeneration, and age‐related macular degeneration. We developed an ophthalmic examination apparatus having the functions of fundus camera, microperimetry, electroretinography, and visual acuity testing, designed to diagnose multiple diseases which result in loss of eyesight.MethodsWe constructed the experimental device with the same optical system as a fundus camera. The device has previously been used for research involving the diagnosis of early diabetic retionopathy. The microperimetry optical system was calculated using the optical engineering software OpTalix‐LT and was added to the experimental device. In addition, we added an Edmund infrared camera EO‐0413, a lens with a focal length of 25 mm, a 45‐degree cold mirror, a 12V/50W halogen lamp, and an 8‐inch monitor. The artificial eye consists of a plane‐convex lens, a black spacer, and a hemispherical cup. A small section paper was stuck on the bottom of the hemispherical cup. The artificial eye was photographed for 10 times using the experimental device. The software was generated to show the examination target on the monitor and save examination data using C++Builder XE6.ResultsThe device was able to show the retinal fundus on the monitor, at a length and width of 1 mm with a resolution of 63.25 ± 3.51 and 64.13 ± 6.10 pixels, respectively.ConclusionsWe succeeded in adding the function of microperimetry to the experimental ophthalmic device.