High-resolution digital retroillumination imaging of the posterior lens capsule after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To develop a system for high-resolution imaging of the posterior lens capsule after intraocular lens surgery for objective assessment of posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

SETTING

Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

METHODS

A system was developed that uses coaxial illumination and imaging based on Zeiss components with a digital camera directly linked to a computer for online image verification and image analysis.

RESULTS

The system produced high-resolution digital images with even background illumination of sufficient quality to demonstrate progressive lens epithelial cell changes that are amenable to computer image analysis.

CONCLUSION

This system produced excellent images for objective documentation and quantitative measurement of PCO.