Using a Macro Lens for Anterior Segment Imaging in Rural Panama

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Anterior segment pathology causes significant visual impairment globally.
• Developing countries face challenges accessing eye care.
• Inexpensive tools are crucial for improving eye health in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a $5 macro lens with a smartphone camera for anterior segment imaging.
• To assess the effectiveness of this low-cost method for disease screening.
• To compare imaging quality between a smartphone and a smartphone with a macro lens.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-four patients underwent anterior segment imaging using an iPhone with and without an Easy Macro lens.
• Images were captured at mobile clinics in Panama.
• Two ophthalmologists graded images using a modified FOTO-ED scale; statistical analysis used a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in overall clinical utility between iPhone and macro lens images.
• iPhone superior for lens and conjunctiva imaging; macro lens superior for anterior chamber, iris, and lens.
• Optimal imaging depends on the specific anterior segment structure examined.

Conclusions:

• A combined smartphone and macro lens imaging protocol has significant clinical utility for telemedicine.
• Minimally trained users can perform effective eye screenings in resource-deprived settings.
• Future research should focus on developing telemedicine protocols and assessing clinical outcomes.