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Published on: May 25, 2022
Development of automated conjunctival hyperemia analysis software.
Tamaki Sumi1, Tsuyoshi Yoneda, Ken Fukuda
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Japan; †Eye Care Division, NIDEK Co, Ltd, Gamagori, Japan; ‡Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; and §Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Japan.
This study introduces new software for objective, quantitative evaluation of bulbar hyperemia. The automated analysis tool accurately measures ocular inflammation, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Image Analysis
Background:
- Conjunctival hyperemia is a key indicator of ocular inflammation.
- Current evaluation methods for hyperemia are subjective and lack quantification.
- Objective assessment of hyperemia is crucial for effective patient treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel software for quantitative and objective evaluation of bulbar hyperemia.
- To validate the software's efficacy in animal models and human clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Image analysis of digital photographs of the bulbar conjunctiva.
- Binarization of images and selection of regions of interest (ROIs).
- Quantification of hyperemia by counting pixel values within ROIs.
Main Results:
- Histamine-induced hyperemia in guinea pigs was successfully quantified.
- Antigen-induced hyperemia in sensitized guinea pigs showed similar quantifiable results.
- Human clinical trials demonstrated significantly higher blood vessel coverage in hyperemia cases compared to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- The developed automated hyperemia analysis software provides an objective clinical tool.
- This software enables precise evaluation of ocular hyperemia.
- It has potential applications in diagnosing and managing inflammatory eye conditions.
