Method for Photographic Observation and/or Documentation of the Fundus of an Eye and Fundus Camera

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention introduces a new method and apparatus (fundus camera) for photographing and documenting the fundus (retina) of the eye. This approach employs a stationary, strip-shaped illumination system and divides the pupil and image plane into specific observation and illumination regions. By controlling the placement of lighting and image capture, and using a special patient guidance module, it reduces unwanted reflections (Purkinje images), covers a larger retinal area without the need for dilated pupils, and allows for efficient, comfortable, and economical eye examinations.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Routine eye health screening in clinics and hospitals without requiring pupil dilation.
• Diagnosis and documentation of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
• Telemedicine and remote retinal imaging for rural or underserved regions.
• Pediatric or sensitive patient eye imaging where mydriatics may be undesirable.
• Integration into multi-modal imaging systems for comprehensive ophthalmic diagnostics.
• Research studies requiring standardized retinal imaging with minimal patient discomfort.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables wide-field retinal imaging without the need for pupil-dilating drugs, increasing patient comfort and safety.
• Reduces image artifacts from reflected light by managing Purkinje reflections, leading to clearer, higher quality retinal images.
• Simplifies the mechanical design of the fundus camera, potentially lowering production and maintenance costs.
• Minimizes light exposure to the eye, decreasing risk of photic damage and patient discomfort.
• Patient guidance module allows for comprehensive imaging of different retinal regions without moving the device, improving workflow and image completeness.
• Can generate color and multispectral images even with monochrome cameras, due to sequential illumination with multiple wavelengths.
• Supports both static photography and video of the retina for dynamic studies or advanced diagnostic applications.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for photographically observing and/or documenting the fundus of an eye, comprising the following steps: producing a lighting beam path by means of a lighting module for lighting at least one partial area of the fundus by using an at least approximately punctiform or at least areally limited lighting source, producing an image plane (B3) in the lighting beam path for the creation of photographic recordings, separating the pupil cross-sectional area into a detectable observation region and an undetectable lighting region, producing an image area (23) that contains the image of the fundus on the image plane (B3), dividing the image area (23) in strips in the lighting beam path into a lighted region and unlighted regions, and imaging the third and fourth Purkinje reflection (R3, R4) on the image area (23), wherein at least one Purkinje reflection, the third and/or fourth Purkinje reflection (R3, R4), is located at least substantially in the unlighted regions of the image area (23).