title: A Novel Device to Exploit the Smartphone Camera for Fundus Photography.
abstract: Purpose. To construct an inexpensive, convenient, and portable attachment for smartphones for the acquisition of still and live retinal images. Methods. A small optical device based on the principle of direct ophthalmoscopy was designed to be magnetically attached to a smartphone. Representative images of normal and pathological fundi were taken with the device. Results. A field-of-view up to ~20° was captured at a clinical resolution for each fundus image. The cross-polarization technique adopted in the optical design dramatically diminished corneal Purkinje reflections, making it possible to screen patients even through undilated pupils. Light emission proved to be well within safety limits. Conclusions. This optical attachment is a promising, inexpensive, and valuable alternative to the direct ophthalmoscope, potentially eliminating problems of poor exam skills and inexperienced observer bias. Its portability, together with the wireless connectivity of smartphones, presents a promising platform for screening and telemedicine in nonhospital settings. Translational Relevance. Smartphones have the potential to acquire retinal imaging for a portable ophthalmoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedale Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1566-3662
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedale Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Morescalchi
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic, Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Via de Santis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Ciro
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8477-6188
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Costagliola
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedale Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0965-4962
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Delcassi
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedale Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Semeraro