An automated method for detecting exudates and hemorrhages in the retina's images of patients suffering diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

This paper presents an automated method for the detection of exudates and hemorrhages in retina images. The images used here were obtained by the clinical study called "fluorescein angiography" applied to patients who are suffering diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by diabetes prolonged exposition; the condition impairs the vision and could lead to lose it all. Exudates and hemorrhages are two of the damages presented in diabetic retinopathy. The exudates are rounded or oval yellowish-white coatings with indistinct borders and are located superficially in the retina's nerve fiber layer. On the other hand, hemorrhages occur when an abnormal bleeding is located inside the retina's blood vessels.