A Comparative Study Between the PanOpticTM Ophthalmoscope and the Traditional Direct Ophthalmoscope

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The traditional direct ophthalmoscope provides a limited5 degree field of view with an image magnified 15 times. A newophthalmoscope, the PanOptic^TM, provides an enlarged field ofview of 25 degrees with a 26% increase in magnification. Thisstudy compares the PanOptic^TM ophthalmoscope and the traditionaldirect ophthalmoscope. Methods: Second year medical school students(n=33) were introduced to the direct ophthalmoscope and thePanOptic^TM. Each participant used both devices to assess eachother’s fundus structures. One eye of each participantwas dilated. Participants used a 4-point quantitative scaleto rate ease of use, visualization of the optic nerve, retinalvessels, and macula, and indicated overall device preference.A nonparametric paired comparisons test (Wilcoxon signed ranks)was used for data analysis. Results: See Tables 1 and 2. ThePanOptic^TM was rated significantly higher than the traditionaldirect ophthalmoscope along the following dimensions: ease ofuse (Z=-2.93, p<0.005), visualization of optic nerve (Z=-3.54,p<0.0005), visualization of the retinal vessels (Z=-3.38,P<0.005), and visualization of the macula (Z=-2.84, p<0.005).29 (88%) participants indicated an overall preference for thePanOptic^TM, 3 (9%) participants preferred the traditional directophthalmoscope, and 1 (3%) participant had no preference. *n=32;ON=optic nerve, RV=retinal vessels, MAC=macula. Conclusion:The PanOptic^TM ophthalmoscope provides an excellent view ofthe optic nerve and fundus. The PanOptic^TM ophthalmoscope mayenhance diagnostic capabilities given its ease of use and enlargedfield of view of the fundus structures. Table 1. PanOptic^TMFrequency of Scores (percent)  

Table 2. Direct OphthalmoscopeFrequency of Scores (percent) 

Keywords: 430 imaging/image analysis: clinical