Smartphone fundoscopy for retinopathy of prematurity

PurposeThe utility of digital fundus images in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening has been established. A smartphone can be a device available to most ophthalmologists to capture digital fundus photographs. In this study, fundus images were captured with original camera settings for ROP documentation.MethodsThe examination was performed under topical anesthesia. An assistant held a glass stick against the eye movement if infants moved their eyes too frequently. A hand-held smartphone and a 30D lens were used to record the fundus in video mode. A continuous flash was turned on to provide almost constant coaxial illumination. Fundus photographs were captured from the video film.ResultsFundus photographs can be captured successfully with a smartphone and a 30D lens under original camera settings.ConclusionFundus photographs of acceptable diagnostic quality can be obtained in ROP patients conveniently and inexpensively using a portable hand-held smartphone. It might be a useful tool in documentation, education, consultation, and telemedicine in ROP.