In 2014, ophthalmologists worldwide embraced a user- and patient-friendly fundus imaging system combining confocal imaging and natural retina color. The following models, featuring autofluorescence, angiography, and an ultra-wide module, have further enhanced diagnostics of eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, geographic atrophy, and AMD. Enter the EIDON story and see what you’ve missed.
Fundus imaging used to be tricky, imprecise, and time-consuming. The image quality largely depended on the users’ skills, while the procedure was uncomfortable for the patients. Even in the best-case scenarios, it was often difficult for ophthalmologists to detect subtle retinal abnormalities. Concurrently, the traditional imaging methods captured only a small area of the retina, frequently missing peripheral pathologies and causing late diagnosis. Furthermore, the need for additional steps like dilation and post-processing slowed down clinical workflows.
“Our goal was to make fundus imaging easy, comfortable and standardized. First, we focused on automation to assist the users, many of whom are trainees, working in busy hospital environments,” says Francesco Berti, Global Product Manager at iCare.
A decade ago, after years of development and field testing, a widefield TrueColor Confocal fundus imaging system was launched, and the world of ophthalmology changed forever.
Unparallel fundus imaging from every perspective
iCare EIDON revolutionized fundus imaging by combining a confocal optical engine with a white light LED source. The system illuminates the retina and captures TrueColor fundus images characterized by colors close to reality.
“Confocal imaging surpasses conventional fundus photography by blocking back-scattered light from outside the retina’s focal plane, delivering sharper, higher-resolution, and higher-contrast images. It maintains quality even with media opacities like cataracts and functions with pupils as small as 2.5 mm without dilation. With white LED, the retina appears as it looks when directly observed, as the entire visible spectrum is present in the image,” Berti explains.
In addition to white LED, the iCare EIDON red-free filtering enhances the visualization of retina vasculature, and blue images provide an improved view of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). The red channel allows light to penetrate the retina’s deep layers; in turn, infrared light provides detailed information corresponding to the choroid. Thus, ophthalmologists can identify specific conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, with much better visualization.
In addition, the widefield optics from 90° to 160° field of view allow the imaging of the central retina and the periphery, facilitating improved and early diagnosis. Furthermore, using iCare EIDON, taking a high-quality fundus image requires no special training. The device allows switching from manual to automatic operations regarding alignment, focus, exposure, capture and mosaic.
“iCare EIDON can speed up examination time and improve workflow. Instead of manual tuning, the users can just push the button. The ergonomic, motorized chin rest, soft flash and no need for dilation provide added comfort to patients,” Berti emphasizes.
Towards more comprehensive eye exams and preventive treatment
In 2016, iCare launched EIDON AF, based on its predecessor, with the added advantage of autofluorescence imaging, which allows the assessment of the integrity of the Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) layer. The confocal scanner guarantees high details and contrasts autofluorescence images with ultra-high-resolution quality in one shot without the need for image averaging. Furthermore, the confocal technology allows scanning through media opacities. It also offers 60° autofluorescence images with a single flash of light and a panoramic view (up to 160°) of the retinal autofluorescence.
“Just as with the standard model, any staff member can run the tests, speeding up the clinic workflow. Concurrently, the device enables a quick and comfortable patient experience,” Berti says.
Two years later, EIDON FA followed, complementing the range of imaging modalities with Fluorescein Angiography. The device also offers the advantage of quickly capturing a detailed ultra-high resolution FA video — allowing the user to focus on the patient.
“The recordings provide a realistic and dynamic view of retinal vasculature and circulation mechanisms that may be missed with static flash photography. The user can choose the best from multiple frames to document the pathology,” Berti explains.
The EIDON Ultra-Widefield Module: an extended view into predictive treatment
In 2021, iCare introduced the EIDON Ultra-Widefield Module, capturing 120˚ images of the retina in a single shot and even up to 200˚ with the Mosaic functionality. Attachable to all the iCare EIDON Family devices, the module enables the acquisition of TrueColor Confocal, Ultra-Widefield Infrared, Autofluorescence and FA images and video.
“The early signs of many pathologies are often subtle and appear first on the retina’s periphery, which the standard field tests can´t reveal. Previously, only about 50% of the retina could be visualized, but the UWF enables examination of almost the entire area—significantly enhancing the ability to detect diseases early. The early diagnosis can prevent diseases from progressing to a stage requiring treatment,” Berti notes.
Towards digital future in fundus imaging
Since its launch, the iCare EIDON has helped solve countless challenging patient cases—for example, by revealing AMD, CNV, diabetic retinopathy, ERM, and more. Today, ophthalmologists particularly appreciate the ease of use and high image quality of iCare EIDON. Additionally, the use of widefield imaging is becoming increasingly common.
“Vision loss is a serious issue, not only for the patient but also for their family, work, and society. Moreover, the strain on healthcare systems is a global problem that constantly requires new proactive and preventive eye care solutions,” Berti reflects.
Furthermore, cybersecurity has become an integral part of patient safety. As hospital devices and systems are interconnected, it is essential to understand and adhere to safety protocols and standards.
“Although EIDON has reached its maturity, our efforts are consistently focused on keeping the device updated to meet market needs. Not least among these are developments addressing the growing demands in cybersecurity and data management,” Berti states.
