Robust image registration for analysis of multisource eye fundus images

Abstract

This study underscores the crucial role of image preprocessing in enhancing the outcomes of multimodal image registration tasks using scale-invariant feature selection. The primary focus is on registering two types of retinal images, assessing a methodology’s performance on a set of retinal image pairs, including those with and without microaneurysms. Each pair comprises a color optical image and a gray-level fluorescein image, presenting distinct characteristics and captured under varying conditions. The SIFT methodology, encompassing five stages, with preprocessing as the initial and pivotal stage, is employed for image registration. Out of 35 test retina image pairs, 33 (94.28%) were successfully registered, with the inability to extract features hindering automatic registration in the remaining pairs. Among the registered pairs, 42.42% were retinal images without microaneurysms, and 57.57% had microaneurysms. Instead of simultaneous registration of all channels, independent registration of preprocessed images in each channel proved more effective. The study concludes with an analysis of the fifth registration’s resulting image to detect abnormalities or pathologies, highlighting the challenges encountered in registering blue channel images due to high intrinsic noise.