Modeling of high resolution digital retinal imaging

Abstract

High resolution digital images of the retina can be obtained by photography with a Zeiss fundus camera followed by digitization of the photographic slide with a high resolution scanner. A complete model of this imaging system is developed based on its four components; the eye, the camera, the film and the scanner. The actual and modeled step responses and system noise are compared to validate the model. A simulated retinal reflection is used to demonstrate the extent of information degradation caused by such an imaging system. Preliminary results of linear restoration using a simplified version of the complete model are given. Development of nonlinear restoration incorporating the complete model is in progress.