Smartphone-based fundus camera device (MII Ret Cam) and technique with ability to image peripheral retina.

Abstract

To demonstrate an inexpensive smartphone-based fundus camera device (MII Ret Cam) and technique with ability to capture peripheral retinal pictures. A fundus camera was designed in the form of a device that has slots to fit a smartphone (built-in camera and flash) and 20-D lens. With the help of the device and an innovative imaging technique, high-quality fundus videos were taken with easy extraction of images. The MII Ret Cam and innovative imaging technique was able to capture high-quality images of peripheral retina such as ora serrata and pars plana apart from central fundus pictures. Our smartphone-based fundus camera can help clinicians to monitor diseases affecting both central and peripheral retina. It can help patients understand their disease and clinicians convincing their patients regarding need of treatment especially in cases of peripheral lesions. Imaging peripheral retina has not been demonstrated in existing smartphone-based fundus imaging techniques. The device can also be an inexpensive tool for mass screening.