Researchers develop cheap, portable, and open source camera for retina photography
Orange County, CA -
March 23rd 2017 -Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School have collaborated to create a portable camera able to photograph the retina without dilating the patient’s eyes.
Currently, routine eye exams and photographing the back of the eye require a pupil-dilating solution. The eye drops work to open the pupil and prevent the iris from reacting to the light and constricting. The drops are painful and can take up to 30 minutes to take effect, causing uncomfortable clouded vision with the potential to last hours after initial application. This is often problematic for both the patient and the physician.
The new camera, though still in its prototypal stages, is able to bypass these issues and is cost effective. Made out of the Raspberry Pi 2 computer, a single-board computer designed to help beginners understand the basics of building computers and programming, it connects to an infrared camera, a dual infrared- and white-light-emitting diode, and an assembly of other small parts to bring the total cost of the device to an approximate $185. The device is also open-source, meaning others will be able to create their own features depending on their individual needs.
The camera works by emitting an infrared light that focuses the camera on the retina. Once focused, the camera quickly flashes a white light to capture a picture of the eye. The camera is able to show the retina, its blood supply, and the segment of the optic nerve leading into the retina. This allows exposure of potential health issues such as diabetes, glaucoma and elevated pressure around the brain.
Most cameras use white light throughout the procedure which is why pupil-dilating drops are necessary. Infrared light does not affect the iris. Cameras using a similar technique to this prototype exist, but tend to be large and costs range in the thousands.
To learn more about this camera, including a list of parts used, instructions on building the device, and the code necessary to program the camera, read their study in the Journal of Ophthalmology here.
