Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare two wide-angle contact fundus cameras based on operative technique, image quality, and user interface. Methods: Tropicamide 1% for pupillary dilation, Proparacaine HCl 0.5% for anesthesia, and a lid clamp were used. Methylcellulose was utilized as coupling agent between the camera lens and the cornea. Photography was done with the patient supine. Results: The cameras were tested sequentially on select patients with retinal pathology. The Panoret required a second person to operate the computer, while the RetCam did not. With the Panoret, focusing and recording images required adjustments made on the computer, and image quality prior to recording was not predictive of the saved image. Image quality depended heavily on placement and direction of the external light source, on the type of ocular pathology (not ideal for RD, bare choroid, staphyloma), and to some extent on the degree of eye pigmentation. Imaging lesions in pseudophakes and undilated eyes was possible, but imaging anterior to the equator was not. With the RetCam, focusing and recording was quicker and easier, and image prior to recording was predictive of the quality of the saved image. Image quality depended on eye status (limited in pseudophakes and poorly-dilated eyes). Since the camera can be tilted, imaging lesions anterior to the equator was possible. Fields of view at 100- and 50-degrees were similar with both cameras. Aside from color, the Panoret could image with different filters to highlight retinal or choroidal features, whereas the RetCam only had a green filter for FA in its present configuration. Imaging with the Panoret can be set to continuous mode at 1hertz. The RetCam depended on the speed of the computer and the operator, but has video recording capability for real-time imaging. Conclusion: The Panoret and the RetCam offer the ability to image wide-field retinal pathologies. Currently, the RetCam excels in terms of practical one-man operation, ease of use and image predictability. The Panoret more recently introduced is presently more difficult to use, but may have potential advantages with its non-mydriatic and higher resolution capability (1000 x 1000 vs 489 x 640 pixels for the RetCam).
Keywords: 430 imaging/image analysis: clinical • 432 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • 554 retina