spotlight on technology & technique
The VISUCAM^{PRO NM}: CZM's Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera System

The VISUCAM^{PRO NM} non-mydriatic fundus camera system enables practitioners to capture high-resolution, digital images of the retina and posterior segment of the eye through the smallest pupil size in the industry. In addition, the system captures high-resolution images at 30°- and 45°-field angles, allowing for early documentation of such conditions as diabetic retinopathy, AMD and glaucoma.

The ability to capture retinal images through undilated pupils as small as 3.3 mm allows for quicker procedures of more patients, says Lon Dowell, C.R.A., product manager and clinical specialist for retinal imaging at Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. (CZM). The VISUCAM^{PRO NM} uses an efficient scientific grade sensor to capture images, which allows true retinal color for a "what you see is what you get" image that is the same as what a doctor would see upon an indirect ophthalmoscope exam. The system allows images to be viewed in color, blue, red and red-free for diagnostic and documentation value.

The VISUCAM^{PRO NM} is an all-in-one unit; there is no need for external wires or peripheral cameras. It is also unique in comparison to traditional fundus cameras in that there is no operator eyepiece. Images are viewed real-time on a 17-inch flat panel monitor, which can be rotated for patient education. With its potential for stereo images and standardized field angles, the image quality serves as a solution for cases that may require in-depth study. Visual overview and assessment are possible at all times in every phase of the exam.

Pictures may be exported in a number of file formats. An ink-jet printer, included with the system, is used to print out the images. The VISUCAM^{PRO NM} is networkable out-of-the-box and the industrial-grade internal digital sensor requires no maintenance, keeping the optical path free of dust or other artifacts.

For more advanced capabilities, the VISUCAM^{PRO NM} can be networked with CZM's VISUPAC digital imaging and archive management application. The VISUPAC software manages image display, editing, archiving and data export.

Physician Feedback

Derek Kuhl, M.D., Ph.D, of The Retina Center, Bryan, Texas says that the VISUCAM^{PRO NM} is both easy to learn and fast to use. "It's a device that really lets anyone in the clinic take excellent pictures," says Dr. Kuhl. "It requires almost no training to take good non-mydriatic pictures and the response time in viewing the picture is excellent. We can give patient feedback immediately." Dr. Kuhl says that the system's imaging quality and color rendering are much better than their previous system.

Another nice feature, notes Dr. Kuhl, is that the system is easily networkable. "With this system, we take a picture and it is stored on the hard drive and saved at another location for automatic backup. The system does not require a huge infrastructure and took us 10 minutes to get up and going network wise."

Stephen Fox, M.D., of Fox Eye Surgeons, Lima, Ohio, uses the VISUCAM^{PRO NM} primarily for stereo disk photos. "This camera doesn't wash out the nerve for disk photos — this is a very helpful feature for capturing the optic nerve head," says Dr. Fox. "The camera either does it just right the first time or with minimal adjustment to the flash."

Dr. Fox says the camera is very simple to use. "There are simply two focusing dots and once they are clear you get a good photo."

For more information on the VISUCAM^{PRO NM} visit the Carl Zeiss' Meditec Web site at www.meditec.zeiss.com.