|Articles|July 15, 2016

Portable non-mydriatic device closes gap on tele-glaucoma screening

A portable non-mydriatic fundus camera was found useful in grading cup-to-disc ratio as part of glaucoma screening compared with a standard tabletop mydriatic fundus camera.

Reviewed by Paula Anne Newman-Casey, MD, MS

Ann Arbor, MI-As clinicians look for better ways of glaucoma screening for patients in remote areas of the world or those who cannot mobilize easily, accurate and portable equipment plays a huge role.

Related: Santen to acquire InnFocus, developer of glaucoma drainage implant

When ophthalmologists in a study graded optic nerve photographs taken with a portable non-mydriatic camera (Pictor, Volk) and a standard table-top mydriatic camera (Topcon), there was not a significant difference in the measurement of cup-to-disc size between cameras, said Paula Anne Newman-Casey, MD, MS.

In many parts of the developing world, it is difficult for people to travel to eye clinics for routine screening. This is especially the case in Nepal, where the study took place. To screen for cataracts, for instance, teams of eye-care providers will travel for days and hike for hours, or even a day, to reach remote villages.

Related: Ceeable aims to be the next gold standard in mobile visual fields

“There’s a real need for portable equipment,” said Dr. Newman-Casey, assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Quality matters

However, in the rush for portable devices, there sometimes has been less of a focus on whether the device is of high enough quality to ensure good clinical outcomes.

Recent: What the data says about infant glaucoma risk may increase after cataract removal

The current study aimed to evaluate whether a new portable fundus camera that does not require dilation would produce reasonable enough photographs to allow ophthalmologists to accurately assess the cup-to-disc ratio compared with standard technologies.

Internal server error