Assessment of Functionality of Smart Eye Camera: A Smartphone-attached Slit-Lamp Microscope and Fundus Camera.

Abstract

Purpose : This study aims to assess the functionality of the Smart Eye Camera(SEC), a device that integrates the functionality of a slit-lamp microscope(SLM) and a fundus camera(FC) using smartphone. The evaluation will focus on its application in diagnostics, in terms of its safety for eyes and its diagnosis compared to standard ophthalmic equipments.

Methods : We prospectively analyzed 40 cases involving 80 eyes from a gender- and age-matched cohort(approved by Certified review board of Keio #20180002). Our objective was to compare clinical parameters using the SEC against those obtained with conventional SLMs and FCs. We conducted a safety evaluation that included assessments before and after using SEC in the anterior segment of the eyes, encompassing (1)corneal fluorescein scores(CFS), (2)conjunctival staining scores(LG), (3)central corneal thickness(CCT), and others. Additionally, we evaluated the fundus parameters as (4)ganglion cell complex value(GCC), (5)critical fusion frequency(CFF), macular edema(ME), retinal hemorrhage, among others. Diagnostic function were comparing using SEC and conventional devices. We compared (I)tear film break-up time(TFBUT), (II)meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), (III)hyperemia as anterior segment, and (IV)cup-to-disc(CD) ratio, (V)Keith-Wagner(KW) and (VI)Scheie's(S) classifications, as posterior segmant.

Results : One participant was excluded due to non-adherence to the study protocol. Safety evaluations as assessments of CFS, LG, CCT, GCC, and CFF, the results indicated no significant adverse changes in these parameters. Additionally, there were no other adverse events such as ME, hemorrhage, elevation of intraocular pressure, or decreased visual acuity, suggesting the safety of the SEC. In the diagnostic evaluation of TFBUT, MGD, hyperemia, CD ratio, the KW&S classification, all parameters showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). Furthermore, strong correlation(r=0.73-0.99) and kappa values(κ=0.84-1.00) were observed across all metrics, affirming the SEC's valid function in diagnosis.

Conclusions : SEC exhibits comparable functionality to both conventional SLMs and FCs. Additionally, its utilization of a smartphone's light source significantly enhances the potential for broadening the scope of remote ophthalmology, thereby enabling eye care in a variety of settings.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.

 

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