Reflectance evaluation of eye fundus structures with a visible and near-infrared multispectral camera

Abstract

We examined the spectral reflectance of fundus structures in the visible and near-infrared (400–1300 nm) range for contributing to the medical diagnosis of fundus diseases. Spectral images of healthy eye fundus and other ocular diseases were acquired using a novel multispectral fundus camera. Reflectance metrics were computed based on contrast to analyze the spectral features. Significant differences were observed among the structures in healthy and diseased eye fundus. Specifically, near-infrared analysis allows imaging of deeper layers, such as the choroid, which, to date, has not been retrieved using traditional color fundus cameras. Pathological structures, which were hardly observable in color fundus images owing to metamerism, were also revealed by the developed multispectral fundus camera.

Multispectral Fundus Photography of Choroidal Nevi with Trans-Palpebral Illumination

“…It is widely recognized that choroidal structures can be effectively visualized through the utilization of NIR illumination. According to the study conducted by Burgos-Fernández et al 26 , choroidal nevi show low reflectance and good contrast at NIR wavelengths in multispectral fundus images. However, their fundus camera utilized trans-pupillary illumination, which restricted the system’s FOV to 30° visual angle (45° eye angle).…”

“…As a result, multispectral fundus photography using long visible and NIR wavelengths promises a practical solution for selectively capturing these choroidal lesions. However, most multispectral fundus devices are essentially conventional fundus cameras that incorporate multiple light sources or tunable filters into their trans-pupillary illumination [24][25][26] . Consequently, they tend to have bulky dimensions, and spatial scanning is required due to the limited FOV.…”

Evaluating color efficacy in fundus photography for artificial intelligence classification of retinopathy of prematurity

“…Longer wavelengths like red and near-infrared light are more efficient for fundus imaging due to their better penetration into ocular tissues compared to shorter wavelengths [13][14][15]. Studies show that while blue and green reflect retinal layers, red images encompass information from both retinal and choroidal layers, potentially offering more depth insights [16,17].…”

Multispectral Fundus Photography of Choroidal Nevi With Trans-Palpebral Illumination

“…However, most multispectral fundus devices are essentially conventional fundus cameras that incorporate multiple light sources or tunable filters into their trans-pupillary illumination. [25][26][27] Consequently, they tend to have bulky dimensions, and spatial scanning is required due to the limited FOV.…”