Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Smartphone Fundus Photography
Published on: July 6, 2017
Digital image processing software for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy from fundus photograph
Tanapat Ratanapakorn1, Athiwath Daengphoonphol2, Nawapak Eua-Anant2
1KKU Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, yosanan@kku.ac.th.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to develop automated software for screening and diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (DR) from fundus photograph of patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods:
The extraction of clinically significant features to detect pathologies of DR and the severity classification were performed by using MATLAB R2015a with MATLAB Image Processing Toolbox. In addition, the graphic user interface was developed using the MATLAB GUI Toolbox. The accuracy of software was measured by comparing the obtained results to those of the diagnosis by the ophthalmologist.
Results:
A set of 400 fundus images, containing 21 normal fundus images and 379 DR fundus images (162 non-proliferative DR and 217 proliferative DR), was interpreted by the ophthalmologist as a reference standard. The initial result showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this software in detection of DR were 98%, 67% and 96.25%, respectively. However, the accuracy of this software in classifying non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy was 66.58%. The average time for processing is 7 seconds for one fundus image.
Conclusion:
The automated DR screening software was developed by using MATLAB programming and yielded 96.25% accuracy for the detection of DR when compared to that of the diagnosis by the ophthalmologist. It may be a helpful tool for DR screening in the distant rural area where ophthalmologist is not available.
Related Concept Videos
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

