New software for lens retro-illumination digital image analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe functions of new software for cataract assessment and compare its validity with that of the Nidek EAS-1000 software (Nidek, Japan).


METHODS
A new Microsoft Windows 3.1/95 (Microsoft, USA) compliant software, Retroillumination Image Analysis (RIA), has been developed. The cataract reading is based on the contrasts in illumination between the opaque and transparent areas of the lens. Image loading, pupil detection and image analyses are automated. Differentiation between the different cataract types (cortical/posterior subscapsular) and other opacities is possible.


RESULTS
The program was tested on 233 Nidek EAS-1000 images. In all, 148 eyes had clear media or cortical cuneiform cataract, 37 also had confounding opacities and 48 had no confounding opacities but pupils were unevenly illuminated. The results of analysis with both Nidek EAS-1000 and RIA software were compared against clinical Wilmer grading. The correlation of cortical opacity size in Nidek EAS-1000 3.01c and RIA software, respectively, were 0.50* and 0.57* for whole data set, 0.54* and 0.55* for subgroup with no confounders or artefacts, 0.54* and 0.66* for subgroup with artefacts, 0.27 (P < 0.105) and 0.65* for subgroup with confounders (*P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The RIA software significantly improves the accuracy of cataract measurement in lens images with uneven pupil illumination or confounding opacities. Automation of (i) image loading, (ii) pupil detection and (iii) defining of the opacity area increases the efficiency of digital eye photography, eliminates human errors and speeds assessment.
Gershenzon
A
A
Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Victoria. gers@myriad.its.unimelb.edu.au
Robman
L D
LD
D002386:Cataract / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007904:Lens Cortex, Crystalline; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D008027:Light; D012984:Software