Computer-assisted image processing for a simulated stereo effect of ocular fundus and fluorescein angiography photographs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report computer-assisted image processing for a simulated stereo effect of fundus and fluorescein angiography (FAG) digital photographs in patients with ocular fundus pathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fundus red-free and FAG photographs of patients with a variety of ocular fundus pathologies were digitized and then processed with the sketch bas relief filter of Adobe Photoshop software (Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA) to create a stereo-like carved image. The images were compared with indirect slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for accuracy and reliability in showing ocular pathology. RESULTS: The bas relief filter could transform ocular fundus and FAG photographs into images carved in relief. Dark areas of the fundus image took on the background color, and light colors used the foreground color. A variety of ocular fundus pathologies with fluorescein dye leakage in the FAG were found to be elevated lesions after image processing with the bas relief filter. Image misinterpretations might occur and can be avoided with careful examination of the ocular fundus with indirect slit-lamp biomicroscopy and OCT. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted image processing for a simulated stereo effect of fundus and FAG photographs is a simple and assessable method of image processing that decreases the complexity of ocular fundus and FAG photographs for patient interpretation. It might be a useful tool in assisting physician-patient communication by creating pseudo three-dimensional images and highlighting ocular fundus pathology.