Improvement in Dacryoendoscopic Visibility after Image Processing Using Comb-Removal and Image-Sharpening Algorithms

Abstract

Recently, a minimally invasive treatment for lacrimal passage diseases was developed using dacryoendoscopy. Good visibility of the lacrimal passage is important for examination and treatment. This study aimed to investigate whether image processing can improve the dacryoendoscopic visibility using comb-removal and image-sharpening algorithms. We processed 20 dacryoendoscopic images (original images) using comb-removal and image-sharpening algorithms. Overall, 40 images (20 original and 20 post-processing) were randomly presented to the evaluators, who scored each image on a 10-point scale. The scores of the original and post-processing images were compared statistically. Additionally, in vitro experiments were performed using a test chart to examine whether image processing could improve the dacryoendoscopic visibility in a turbid fluid. The visual score (estimate ± standard error) of the images significantly improved from 3.52 ± 0.26 (original images) to 5.77 ± 0.28 (post-processing images; p < 0.001, linear mixed-effects model). The in vitro experiments revealed that the contrast and resolution of images in the turbid fluid improved after image processing. Image processing with our comb-removal and image-sharpening algorithms improved dacryoendoscopic visibility. The techniques used in this study are applicable for real-time processing and can be easily introduced in clinical practice.

Effects of Image Processing Using Honeycomb-Removal and Image-Sharpening Algorithms on Visibility of 27-Gauge Endoscopic Vitrectomy

“…The honeycomb-removal technology was originally developed for improving the imaging quality of endoscopes for other organs, such as gastrointestinal endoscopes, which was then applied to dacryoendoscopes [ 8 , 9 ]. The noise caused by the honeycomb structure appears as a high-frequency component in the spatial frequency domain and can be removed by a low-pass filter.…”

“…Recently, new technologies have been developed and implemented to improve the live endoscopic images by honeycomb-removal and image-sharpening algorithms with a delay of 0.004 s [ 8 ]. Clinical and experimental studies demonstrated that application of such image-processing procedures could improve dacryoendoscopic visibility and thus potentially increase the diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes in patients with lacrimal passage obstruction [ 8 ]. We conducted the current study to assess whether honeycomb-removal and image-sharpening algorithms can increase the visibility in small-gauge endoscopic vitrectomy.…”

Comparison of the efficacies of 1.0 and 1.5 mm silicone tubes for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction

“…In Northeast Asia, endoscopic-assisted nasolacrimal duct intubation (ENDI) has been proposed as an alternative to DCR for the treatment of postsaccal obstruction. This is primarily because of improved postoperative outcomes with refined tube stents and an improved visibility and accuracy of dacryoendoscopes 14 , 15 . The ENDI procedure is conducted while directly observing the obstructed site in the lacrimal duct using a dacryoendoscope and observing the nasal cavity using a nasal endoscope (Supplementary file, Video 1 ).…”

The Agreement among Syringing, Dacryocystography, and Dacryoendoscopy in Lacrimal Duct Obstruction

“…With the increasing use of the dacryoendoscope and advances in the beroptic system, the use of the dacryoendoscope in diagnosing lacrimal out ow obstruction is also increasing. 12 The diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal out ow obstructions using the dacryoendoscope have remarkably increased over the past two decades particularly in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. [13][14][15][16] East Asians have relatively at facial features, with a less elevated superior orbital rim than other ethnic groups, which may allow relatively easy manipulation of a dacryoendoscope.…”