Comparing a portable slit lamp and smartphone for pet eye exams

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the performance of the KOWA SL-19 Plus portable slit lamp, equipped with an integrated digital camera, and a smartphone-based imaging system adapted to fit on the slit lamp eyepiece for veterinary ophthalmic imaging. Both devices were tested for their efficiency, image quality, and diagnostic utility in clinical settings. ANIMALS STUDIED: A total of 20 eyes from 13 animals (7 dogs and 6 cats), presenting various ophthalmic conditions, were examined using both devices. PROCEDURE(S): During the ophthalmic examination, videos were captured using both the KOWA SL-19 Plus and the smartphone-based system, then the best picture was extracted. Extraction time was measured. Thirty-nine board-certified ophthalmologists evaluated the images together, focusing on image quality and diagnostic value. RESULTS: The KOWA SL-19 Plus outperformed the smartphone-based system in all categories. The mean extraction time for the KOWA SL-19 Plus was significantly faster (65.47&#x2009;s) than for the smartphone system (115.50&#x2009;s, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.000001). Image quality was higher for the KOWA SL-19 Plus (3.80 vs. 2.98 over 5, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.000001), and 85.7% of the images were deemed sufficient for diagnostic purposes, compared to 67.9% for the smartphone-based system (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The KOWA SL-19 Plus is a valuable tool for veterinary ophthalmic imaging, offering superior image quality and faster processing times compared to the smartphone-based system. It presents a promising step forward for both clinical diagnostics and educational purposes.