Article from: The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2018
Authors: Amit Khedekar, Bharanidharan Devarajan, Kim Ramasamy, Veerappan Mutukkaruppan, Usha Kim
About the paper:
The purpose of this paper was to improve and validate the smartphone-based leukocoria detection application so that non-ophthalmologists could make use of the smartphone for early detection of Retinoblastoma (RB) in young children without anesthesia and pharmacological dilatation of the pupil.
Methods: Two apps, MDEyeCare and CRADLE, developed for red reflex based leukocoria detection were used in iPhone
6s. MDEyeCare methodology was modified with respect to ambient lighting, the distance between camera and eye and different gazes for better performance. We analyzed totally 34 eyes of 23 RB patients and four normal children. Each of the
RB patients was confirmed with clinical examination and radiological investigations.
Results: Modification in the methodology of MDEyeCare app could detect the leukocoria in early stages of RB (50% of Group B, 83% of Group C). In late stages (Group D and E), 100% of tumors were detected. The CRADLE app failed to provide adequate leukocoria detection except four late stage RB eyes. Among the 14 normal eyes (6 from unilateral RB and eight from normal children), pseudo-leukocoria was observed in three eyes only at lateral gaze even with MDEyeCare app.
Conclusion Improved methodology in smartphone-based app enhanced the detection of RB and this may translate into better outcome after treatment with respect to vision salvage.
About MD Eyecare in this paper:
The article mentions that MDEyeCare is a smartphone-based leukocoria detection application. The study focuses on improving and validating the MDEyeCare app for the early detection of Retinoblastoma (RB) in young children without anesthesia and pharmacological dilatation of the pupil. The methodology of the MDEyeCare app was modified with respect to ambient lighting, the distance between the camera and the eye, and different gazes for better performance. The improved methodology of the MDEyeCare app enhanced the detection of RB, particularly in the early stages.
The benefits of using MDEyeCare include:
- Early detection of Retinoblastoma (RB): MDEyeCare app with its improved methodology enhances the detection of leukocoria, which is a common early sign of RB. This early detection allows for timely treatment and better visual outcomes.
- Non-invasive and non-pharmacological: MDEyeCare app enables the detection of RB without the need for anesthesia or pharmacological dilation of the pupil. This makes it a more convenient and comfortable option for young children.
- Smartphone-based and accessible: MDEyeCare is a smartphone-based application, making it easily accessible to a wide range of users. It can be used by trained paramedical workers for screening purposes.
- Cost-effective: The use of MDEyeCare app eliminates the need for expensive equipment or specialized training, making it a cost-effective solution for RB detection.
- Potential for widespread implementation: MDEyeCare can be used in primary health centers and other healthcare settings, allowing for early detection of RB in various regions.
Overall, the use of MDEyeCare app offers the benefits of early detection, convenience, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential for widespread implementation in RB screening programs.
