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.