Abstract
Purpose :
The IOL implantation into the capsular bag can cause a severe stress leading to damages of the structures within the anterior chamber or an IOL design can not be suitable for a specific pathology. We develop computer programs in the field of cataract–intraocular lens (IOL) implantation surgery for automated quantification of different characteristic sizes of the implantation process or the postoperative behavior (stiffness and stability). With the developed tools we aim to find an optimal IOL for each pathology. Our tool also automates standardized manual processes and is used as support for clinical trials.
Methods :
We develop C ++ programs that recognize certain characteristics of slit lamp and pentacam images or of recorded videos during implantation on an autopsy eye using image processing methods. These characteristics are used to calculate specific quantities by means of mathematical formulas (angle and distance calculations, center point determination, deformation) to determine the postoperative position of the IOL or to detect the deformation of the capsular bag during the implantation process.
Results :
The postoperative stability of an artificial IOL was successfully demonstrated by means of 6000 images on the basis of outputs like IOL-decentration, -rotation and -inclination, distance between iris and IOL, subjective refraction and BCVA distance. In the case of the detection of the stiffness of the IOL, we obtain statistics of the relative deformation of the capsular bag, maximum and average deformations with confidence intervals as well as steady state values to compare the final stress that the IOLs exert
on the capsular bag.
Conclusions :
The developed automated tools save time significantly in comparison with the amount of manual hand work which would be necessary and provide quantitative information for each IOL design. Furthermore, the program for the detection of the stiffness of the IOL can be used as teaching tool for young physicians. This is due to the recording and quantification of each hand movement which can be analysed and discussed in teaching courses thereafter.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.