A Novel Device for Smartphone-Based Fundus Imaging and Documentation in Clinical Practice: Comparative Image Analysis...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Digital Health

Background:

• Smartphone-based fundus imaging offers accessible, low-cost eye examinations, potentially transforming eye care, especially in underserved regions.
• Current smartphone adapters often yield lower image quality compared to traditional fundus imaging methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a new smartphone-based fundus imaging device for documenting diverse retinal and vitreous conditions.
• To evaluate the device's performance across a patient group with varying refractive errors and age ranges.

Main Methods:

• Eyes were dilated and imaged using the iC2 funduscope with an iPhone 6 (single-image and video modes).
• Image quality (sharpness, artifacts, contrast, illumination) of smartphone images was compared against conventional fundus imaging (Zeiss VISUCAM 500) using semiquantitative scales.
• The study included 47 eyes from 32 participants with a wide range of ages and refractive errors.

Main Results:

• Smartphone imaging quality was adequate for all eyes, regardless of refractive error.
• Conventional imaging produced sharper images with fewer artifacts; contrast and illumination were comparable.
• Glare increased with peripheral imaging, and artifacts were more common in pseudophakic eyes. Usable images were obtained in children, and video mode offered a pseudo-3D optic nerve view.

Conclusions:

• Conventional fundus imaging demonstrated superior image quality.
• The novel smartphone device achieved sufficient quality for documenting various fundus pathologies, including subtle findings.
• High-quality smartphone-based fundus imaging presents a viable mobile option for clinical fundus documentation.