title: Automated fine structure image analysis method for discrimination of diabetic retinopathy stage using conjunctival microvasculature images.
abstract: The conjunctiva is a densely vascularized mucus membrane covering the sclera of the eye with a unique advantage of accessibility for direct visualization and non-invasive imaging. The purpose of this study is to apply an automated quantitative method for discrimination of different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using conjunctival microvasculature images. Fine structural analysis of conjunctival microvasculature images was performed by ordinary least square regression and Fisher linear discriminant analysis. Conjunctival images between groups of non-diabetic and diabetic subjects at different stages of DR were discriminated. The automated method's discriminate rates were higher than those determined by human observers. The method allowed sensitive and rapid discrimination by assessment of conjunctival microvasculature images and can be potentially useful for DR screening and monitoring.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
authors.forename: Maziyar M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Khansari
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University and Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Penn
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Norman P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Blair
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shahidi
keywords: (080.2720) Mathematical methods (general); (100.0100) Image processing; (100.2960) Image analysis; (170.1610) Clinical applications; (170.4470) Ophthalmology