SPOTLIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY & TECHNIQUE

Eidon confocal scanner

CenterVue’s system combines “true color” images with widefield imaging, ease of use.

By Robert Stoneback, associate editor

CenterVue’s Eidon lets Mark Goulas, MD, see his patients’ eyes in a whole new way.

Using the retinal imaging system, “I can pick up nuances that before I could easily miss both on the old camera and even during exams,” says the owner of the Goulas Eye clinic in Bluffton, S.C.

The Eidon is a confocal scanner capable of creating retinal scans in “true color,” so the retina appears in images as it would when directly observed, according to CenterVue. Dr. Goulas finds the Eidon especially useful during cataract evaluations, as cataract surgery is his specialty. During a cataract examination, the Eidon helps him see any subtle changes to the macula, especially epiretinal membranes. The Eidon also allows him to easily evaluate the optic nerve for glaucoma, particularly changes over time.

He uses the Eidon every day, on many patients. The scanner allows him to diagnose subtle retinal changes that could have been missed without it, he says.

CONVENIENCE

One “huge advantage” of the Eidon platform is its ability to capture retinal images without the need for dilation, says Richard Lewis, MD, founder of the California-based Sacramento Eye Consultants.

That saves 20 to 30 minutes for each procedure, and makes patients more relaxed since they don’t need to spend the next six to 12 hours with dilated pupils. “It’s a convenience to both doctor and patient,” says Dr. Lewis. While it adds one more step for technicians to perform prior to the exam, it also helps avoid some scheduling congestion, he says.

In the year he’s had it, Dr. Lewis has used the Eidon to monitor many of his patients with glaucoma, macular disease and diabetes.

The CenterVue Eidon is a confocal scanner capable of creating retinal scans in “true color.”

For Dr. Goulas, one of the Eidon’s best features is that he doesn’t need to adjust focus. “You literally press a button, and the machine will find the pupil and automatically focus on the posterior pole,” he says.

“It takes wonderful un-dilated photos without much hassle at all,” Dr. Goulas continues. “Any technician, and even a physician, can use it with minimal training.”

Just like billing for fundus photos, many retinal or glaucoma diseases captured with the Eidon are eligible for reimbursement, says Dr. Goulas.

EDUCATION & COMPLIANCE

Dr. Goulas appreciates how easy it is to share the Eidon’s high-quality images with patients after an exam, thanks to the device’s software.

“It has absolutely helped increase education and compliance,” he says.

Dr. Lewis has also found that his patients understand what they are looking at when they view the Eidon’s images. “It’s very good for patients. They really understand what the issues are. That’s critical — if a patient doesn’t understand what we’re talking about, it’s harder to help them. When we show patients an image of a hemorrhage in their retina due to diabetes, it hits home and encourages them to be more compliant with their medication.”

The Eidon can capture images in various degrees. In automatic mode and in widefield, the image is captured out to 110 degrees; in manual mode, out to 150 degrees; and one image, single exposure, to 60 degrees. In viewing the largest area, Dr. Lewis can assess a much wider region of the retina and better evaluate the area for problems, such as retinal detachments or retinal holes.

INTRODUCING THE EIDON AF

In September, the Eidon AF was introduced, an addition to the Eidon platform. Eidon AF has all the features of the Eidon but also has built-in fundus autofluorescence imaging capabilities to help evaluate diseases associated with RPE metabolism dysfunction, such as AMD and CSR.

Dr. Lewis added the Eidon AF to his practice shortly after its launch. While his clinic is still becoming accustomed to it, he says its ability to better detect macular disease will allow for more precise diagnosis, as well as improvements in disease management, patient referrals and patient education. He plans to use it annually on his patients with diabetes to follow the potential changes in their retinas. He adds that it has been especially useful in the assessment of the retinal pigment epithelium layer (RPE). With the Eidon AF, Dr. Lewis has access to a “fabulous color view of the retina, and now also autofluorescence, which provides information on metabolic alterations of the RPE.”

“I think it enhances the overall practice.” OM

Dr. Richard Lewis is a consultant for CenterVue. Dr. Mark Goulas has no relevant financial disclosures.