Retinal camera produces 3-D stereo images in one shot

Key Points

Torrance, CA-A three-dimensional (3-D) simultaneous stereoscopic retinal camera that allows stereo images to be taken in one shot, offers an automatic mosaic merge function, and provides a full 45° field angle in two-dimensional (2-D) mode has been introduced by Kowa Optimed Inc.

According to Kowa, this 3-D retinal camera is both 2-D and 3-D capable and may be used in three modes:

Wide appeal

The company expects the features of its 3-D retinal camera to appeal to both ophthalmologists and optometrists-and their patients.

"To achieve a stereo image with other cameras, a doctor or technician has to take two images of the patient's eye," said Ron Kaiser, vice president of sales, Kowa Optimed. "If the images aren't precisely aligned and oriented both horizontally and vertically, they must be adjusted to achieve a correct stereo view. The [camera] is a big time-saver in that regard. By taking one shot instead of two, it's easier for the doctor or technician, and it's also more patient-friendly because they're only being flashed once in each eye instead of twice."

Kaiser added that eye-care professionals will appreciate the 3-D retinal camera's capability to create mosaics of nine images that can cover up to 120° of a patient's retina.

"The camera's auto-mosaic function allows the practitioner to merge nine images into one large mosaic or montage with just the click of a button," he said. "This feature has never been available before on a stereo camera, and it's easy to use."

Kowa expects the camera to be a "must have" for glaucoma specialists, and it is also useful for doctors who treat patients who have age-related macular degeneration and diabetes as well, Kaiser concluded.