A-scan ultrasonic system for real time automatic cataract detection

Cataract is an ocular condition associated to the loss of the normal crystalline lens transparency, and its progression can result in a total loss of vision. The gold standard diagnostic method consists on qualitative observation through a slit lamp. This method has two limitations: incipient cataract may not be detected and the cataract hardness is subjectively evaluated. It may delay the diagnosis, or result on phacoemulsification surgeries complications when cataract hardness is not correctly estimated. On this study we present a new prototype for objective cataract detection and characterization, based on ultrasounds. The Eye Scan Ultrasonic System (ESUS) acquires A-scan signals at a nominal frequency of 20 MHz. The lens interfaces can be automatically detected in real time, based on the analysis of signal energy levels. The detection and characterization of cataract type and severity is done by an automatic classification algorithm based on features extracted in time and frequency domain. The system performance has been tested on preclinical data, and the beginning of clinical studies is expected shortly.

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