Eye MG 3D Application - A comprehensive ocular anatomy and pathophysiology 3D atlas with real-time true color confocal images to enhance ophthalmology education and e-Counseling

Abstract

Concepts pertaining to ophthalmology have lots of theoretical frameworks. Neophyte residents and novice surgeons may have to mentally visualize these concepts during the initial days of training. Only a powerful cognitive tool such as a three-dimensional (3D) eyeball model, with real-time TrueColor confocal images (and not animated images or models), can fill in these intellective mental gaps. Giving the users (i.e., residents and students) the power to choose and visualize various parts of the eye, with multiple magnitudes of zoom, is mandatory for optimal e-learning. To make ophthalmic concept learning better, we have developed a 3D app Eye MG 3D (patent pending) comprising ocular anatomy and pathophysiological 3D models, built on an advanced interactive 3D touch interface, by using patient's real-time confocal images to serve as a new-age pedagogical tool and e-counseling. According to our knowledge, there are no applications to date that incorporate real-time high-resolution multimodal confocal fundus images and photoreal visuals for interactive and immersive 3D learning.

Keywords: 3D Ophthalmology; Multimodal Imaging; Pedagogy; TrueColor Confocal Images; e-Counseling; e-Ophthalmology.

Figure 1

Image showing the “Eye MG 3D” app being used for e-ophthalmology learning

Figure 2

Image showing (a) 3D model of normal angle. (b) Real-time gonioscopic view of normal angle (red arrow) from which photoreal visuals were made inside the Unreal Engine software

Figure 3

Image showing multiple cameras (red arrow) used inside the Unreal Engine software for 360-degree viewing of the 3D models for providing the user the angle of choice while viewing

Figure 4

Image showing (a) Main menu of the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Anatomy” button (red arrow) to view the eye anatomy. (b) Eye anatomy in the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Anterior Segment” button (red arrow) to view the anterior segment of the eyeball. (c) Anterior Segment in the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Angle” button (red arrow) to view the gonioscopic section of the angle. (d) Angle in the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Trabecular Meshwork” button (red arrow) to view the electron microscopic structure of the angle. (e) Trabecular meshwork in the “Eye MG 3D” app

Figure 5

Image showing (a) Main menu of the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Anatomy” button (red arrow) to view the eye anatomy. (b) Eye anatomy in the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Posterior Segment” button (red arrow) to view the posterior segment of the eyeball. (c) Posterior segment in the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Fovea” button (red arrow)/the “Optic Disc” button (green arrow) to view the detailed structure of the fovea and the optic disc, respectively. (d) Fovea in the “Eye MG 3D” app. (e) Optic disc in the “Eye MG 3D” app

Figure 6

Image showing various pathologies available in the app, normal color, autofluorescence, and infrared of (a) Neovascularization elsewhere. (b) Retinitis pigmentosa. (c) Myelinated nerve fiber

Figure 7

Image showing (a) Main menu of the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Pathology” button (red arrow) to view various ocular pathologies. (b) Eye pathology level in the “Eye MG 3D” app. Click the “Flecked retina” button (red arrow) from the drop-down list to view the pathology. (c) Click the “Color” button (red arrow) to view the colored model of the Fleck retina. (d) Click the “IR” button (red arrow) to view the infrared image of the flecked retina. (e) Click the “AF” button (red arrow) to view the autofluorescence image of the flecked retina

Figure 8

Image showing (a) Eyeball with vitreous inside the “Pathology” section of the app. Click the “Vitreous On” button (red arrow) to disable vitreous for a clear view of the posterior segment. (b) Eyeball inside the “Pathology” section of the app with no vitreous

Figure 9

Image showing the “Eye MG 3D” app being used for e-counseling

Figure 10

Image showing the “Eye MG 3D” app available in Google Play Store and the QR code for downloading the app for Android users

Figure 11

Image showing the screenshot of the website (meh.org.in) where the Windows version of the app (red arrow) can be accessed and downloaded free of cost