Virtual-reality headset mounted smartphone-based Indentation fundus videography

Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2022 Sep 2;12(4):462-464. doi: 10.4103/2211-5056.355559. eCollection 2022 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

To describe a simple and novel technique that overcomes the limitation of smartphone-based fundus photography and allows examiners to capture peripheral retinal images with indentation. Smartphone with video camera in flash-on mode was mounted on virtual-reality (VR) headset. This was combined with +28D lens and +20D lens and soft cotton bud to capture high-quality videos of peripheral fundus with indentation. Autofocus function of the camera and examiner's head movements to adjust the distance was used to obtain retinal video. The procedure is akin to indirect ophthalmoscopy. The feasibility of obtaining well-focused retinal images during indentation was checked. We could obtain good quality videos demonstrating indentation of the peripheral fundus in 10 eyes showing different pathologies such as laser marks, lattice degeneration, and pigmented lesions. VR headset-mounted smartphone-based indentation fundus videography is an innovative cost-effective technique to capture peripheral retinal images. The technique can be useful for documenting retinopathy of prematurity lesions and other situations where widefield photography is not possible.

Keywords: Fundus imaging; indentation videography; peripheral retinal imaging; smartphone.