Photoscreening for diabetic retinopathy: a comparison of image quality between film photography and digital imaging

Authors: Christina MC Klais; Ivan D Grupchev; Charles NJ McGhee; Mark L Donaldson

Source: Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, Volume 32, Number 4, August 2004 , pp. 393-396(4)

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Abstract:

Purpose: Retinal images from patients attending an urban screening centre before and after the transition from film photography to digital image acquisition were analysed for quality of image.

Methods: A total of 1946 diabetic patients, aged 12-92 years (mean 55.6 ± 14.88 years), were included in this retrospective study of retinal screening techniques. Each imaging group was subdivided into age-matched groups. In all subjects pupils were pharmacologically dilated before photography. The images were reviewed by the same three experienced observers and graded at the time of screening from grade 1 (excellent quality) to grade 4 (unreadable).

Results: Of 938 patients in the film group, 31.3% had excellent images, 38.2% good, 22.7% poor and 7.8% were unreadable. Of the 1008 patients in the digital imaging group, 25.3% had excellent images, 46.3% good, 14.6% poor and 13.8% were unreadable. A significant difference was observed in patients over 65 years of age who exhibited a threefold increase in failure rate with digital imaging (33.7% v 11.3%)(P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: In this study population a statistically significant degradation of image quality was observed in those older than 65 years following transition to digital photography. This has implications for service provision planning.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy; digital; photoscreening; quality of images

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9071.2004.00844.x

Publication date: 2004-08-01