Using a Macro Lens for Anterior Segment Imaging in Rural Panama.

Background: Visual impairment, specifically anterior segment pathology, presents a significant burden of disease in the world. Introduction: Inexpensive tools are necessary to improve eye health of residents in developing countries where care is difficult to access. Our study aimed at determining whether a $5 macro lens attached to a smartphone camera is an effective anterior segment imaging method for screening diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty four (n = 54) patients had anterior segment imaging performed by using an Easy Macro lens and an iPhone. Imaging was performed at the Floating Doctors' mobile clinic sites in Panama. Images were sent back and graded by two board-certified ophthalmologists using a modified version of the FOTO-ED scale. Statistical analysis was performed by using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare grades between the two imaging modalities. Results: There was no significant difference in overall clinical utility of images obtained by the iPhone versus Easy Macro lens. The iPhone was significantly superior in imaging of the lens and conjunctiva, whereas the Easy Macro lens was superior in regards to the anterior chamber, iris, and lens. Discussion: The imaging modality that best captures pathology is dependent on what part of the anterior segment is being examined. An imaging protocol with a pair of images, one from a smartphone and one from a macro lens, would have significant clinical utility. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates how minimally trained users can deliver effective eye screening via a telemedicine-based approach in a resource-deprived setting. Future directions would be to develop a telemedicine protocol and determine whether it improves clinically measurable outcomes in patients.