Fully-automated lesion characterization in ultrawide-field retinal images

AbstractIn this grant application we propose to developEyeReadUWFa fully automated tool for lesion characterization in ultra widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopyUWF SLOimagesIn recent times non mydriatic UWF SLO imaging has been shown to be a promising alternative to conventional digital color fundus imaging for grading of diabetic eye diseaseswith advantages includingfield of view showing more thanof the retina in a single imageno need for multiple fieldsmultiple flashesor refocusing between field acquisitionsability to penetrate media opacities like cataractand lower rate of ungradable imagesUWF SLO images are particularly suitable for detecting predominantly peripheral lesionsPPLswhich have been associated with higher risk of diabetic retinopathyDRprogressionAccurate quantification of presence and extent of PPLs can only be done by a robust automated tool that is specifically designed for the pseudo colored images of UWF SLO modalityEyeReadUWF will automatically characterize lesions in pseudo colored UWF images while handling possible artifacts from eyelashes and determine the lesion predominance in peripheral and central regions of UWF imageThe ability to accurately quantify the presence and extent of predominantly peripheral lesions in UWF SLO images can enable clinicians to triage patients with higher risk of DR progression and onset of PDRhave a positive impact on diabetic patient managementand aid drug discovery research Narrative The proposed toolEyeReadUWFwill perform automated lesion characterization in ultrawidefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopyUWF SLOimages to quantify the presence and extent of predominantly peripheral lesionsPPLswhich have been associated with higher risk of diabetic retinopathyDRprogressionTo the best of our knowledgeno commercial automated analysis tool is currently indicated for UWF SLO imagesOnce clinically validatedthe tool can enable clinicians to triage patients with higher risk of DR progression and onset of PDRhave a positive impact on diabetic patient managementand aid drug discovery research