Eye-imaging Device Let Patients Image Their Own Retina in the Future

A model device which would one day allow patients to screen their eyes for signs of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy was designed. Engineers at the Rice University, Texas have been working on a device to help automate this process sothat just anyone can examine the retina. Modern ophthalmoscopes connected to smart phones allow remote ophthalmologist in diagnosis, as image sharing is possible. But the instrument should be in proper alignment with the eye for the image to be taken.

Eye drops are not used to dilate the eyes; rather, the mobileVision system relies on darkness. The person simply positions the eye into the eyepiece and looks to see a red disk within. It will only be visible if the pupil is dilated sufficiently and the eye is properly aligned with the ophthalmoscope. Once the disk is clearly seen, the person simply presses the trigger button to take a video of the retina.

A special algorithm converts the video into high-resolution photos, which can be further analyzed and optimized to help visualize fine retinal details. The photos can be sent wirelessly for review to an ophthalmologist.

Source-Medindia