Heidelberg multispectral vs. traditional color fundus imaging for the detection of ocular changes due to spaceflight

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate if multispectral imaging (= MultiColor imaging (MCI)) obtained with the Heidelberg SPECTRALIS® device is an effective replacement for traditional color fundus photographs as a diagnostic fundus screening tool onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Multispectral imaging significantly reduces crew time (approx. 115 minutes/session, 36 hours/year) while having the option to capture a larger field of view (55° vs. 35°).

Methods : 44 multispectral images, 14 of which were of normal eyes and 30 of abnormal eyes with pathologies resembling those that can occur due to spaceflight were graded and compared to corresponding color fundus pictures (ZeissVisupacFF450 plus) at UCLA and Doheny Eye Institute.

Results : Doheny Eye Institute grading concluded that multispectral imaging is more sensitive to traditional color fundus imaging for the detection of disc swelling, cotton wool spots, as well as retinal hemorrhage.

Conclusions : MCI can effectively detect all retinal and optic nerve findings detectable by CFP during spaceflight and is a suitable on-orbit replacement as a diagnostic screening tool. Additionally, dozens of crew hours are spared per year by utilizing MCI.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Imaging in the Eye Conference, held in New Orleans, LA, April 21-22, 2023.

 

Figure 1: Left eye of astronaut 1. A, Multispectral image with green hyperreflective ring demonstrating optic disc edema, as well as undulations of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) around the optic nerve manifesting as chorioretinal folds. B, Color fundus image of the same eye depicting subtle optic disc edema and chorioretinal folds.

 

Figure 2: Left eye of astronaut 2. A, Multispectral image with green hyperreflective ring demonstrating optic disc edema, as well as undulations of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) around the optic nerve manifesting as chorioretinal folds. B, Color fundus image of the same eye depicting subtle optic disc edema and chorioretinal folds.