Dr. Simone Brandão, an ophthalmologist and professor at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), has been using the Eyer fundus camera for over two years. Since then, she has conducted over 5,000 exams at her clinic, in classrooms, at the São Carlos Teaching Hospital, and as part of a social project developed by the Academic League of Ophthalmology at UFSCar.

Due to her extensive use of the device, Phelcom invited Dr. Brandão to test Eyer2, a comprehensive visual examination platform that captures high-quality images of both the posterior and anterior segments.

The increase in the field of view (FOV) of retinal images from 45° to 55° now allows for the photo documentation of the ocular and periocular surface in a single image, reducing the need for multiple shots. Additionally, the device’s flash is more patient-friendly, enhancing the overall examination experience,” explains Brandão, a specialist in oculoplastic surgery.

With new embedded tools and improved features, the new equipment makes it possible to detect various diseases and conditions of the anterior segment of the eye, such as blepharitis and other eyelash alterations, meibomian gland dysfunction, styes, conjunctival tumors, eyelid tumors, advanced cataracts, foreign bodies, burns, corneal lesions and general keratitis caused by dry eye, contact lenses, infections and ulcers, among others.

Cases

Brandão recently encountered a patient with a welding burn. “I took the photo with the Eyer2 and showed the patient how his eye looked when he didn’t wear the goggles during welding,” she says.

In another case, a patient reported that she had hit her eye with a leaf, but had not hurt herself. Much to the patient’s surprise, the ophthalmologist carried out an examination and detected an eye injury. In another situation, a patient developed an ulcer after his son threw water in his eyes while playing in the pool.

 Eyer2 examination of a patient with an eye ulcer after playing in the pool with his son.

Dr. Brandão uses the portable fundus camera during all her appointments, allowing patients to view their own fundus in real-time during the examination. “Real-time imaging not only educates but also motivates patients, helping them better understand their condition which enhances their commitment to treatment and recovery,” Dr. Brandão explains.

The exams are documented instantly on EyerCloud, a cloud platform. At subsequent appointments, the doctor reviews the images and shows the before and after of the treatment. “After an operation, a patient said that the suture in her eye was imperceptible. I took the picture and we could perfectly see the 10-0 thread, which is thinner than a strand of hair,” she recalls. 

For Brandão, the platform speeds up the process of issuing reports and allows exams to be accessed and shared quickly, facilitating communication with other health professionals, students and the patient themselves. “On one occasion, a colleague requested tests for a patient hospitalized at the São Carlos Teaching Hospital. I accessed EyerCloud remotely, issued the report, and shared it instantly.”

Before adopting Eyer, Dr. Brandão would often search for images on Google to explain conditions to her patients. Now, she accesses EyerCloud to display real, relevant images that depict both healthy eyes and those with specific diseases.

New features

The doctor also highlights the practicality of Eyer2’s magnetized connection module, which makes it easier to change modules during exams and does not detach from the equipment, making the process more efficient and precise.

Infrared light and cobalt light are also new features in the Eyer2 portable fundus camera, which the ophthalmologist has already used. “For example, sometimes in a blepharoplasty post-surgery, complications such as keratitis can occur. I apply the fluorescein and take the photo with the cobalt light so that the patient understands the picture. What’s more, this combination of techniques allows for a more precise and detailed assessment of eye conditions, helping with diagnosis, treatment and patient follow-up,” she adds.

Cobalt light examination with the Eyer2 of a patient with an eye ulcer after playing in the pool with his son.

Infrared light helps to detect changes in the choroid as it penetrates deeper into the structures in the back of the eye, and to perform meibography. This test, which assesses the meibomian glands located in the eyelid, is essential in the investigation of dry eye syndrome, a disease that affects 26 million people in Brazil alone, according to the Brazilian Ophthalmology Society (SBO).

Home care

For Brandão, another advantage of the Eyer2 is the image quality of the anterior and posterior segments in unfavorable situations, such as home care. “I have a patient who is bedridden and I went to do the exams at her home. With the Eyer2, you practically have a hand-held slit lamp, as it enables clear and detailed visualization of the eyelid region, conjunctiva and eyelashes, even in a room where the light was not ideal”.

Beyond home care, Dr. Brandão also utilizes the device at the teaching hospital and university. “After the students had undergone various examinations, I had to contact Phelcom’s technical assistance to resolve a specific issue. Immediately, the team accessed it remotely, but the equipment had to go back to the factory. I was without it for a few days and then I realized that I could no longer live without Eyer,” she jokes.

Dr. Brandão notes that, beyond its superior image quality, Eyer2 has significantly accelerated her consultations by often eliminating the need for mydriasis. “Now, I use this extra time to explain the results and treatments to patients, who also no longer have to spend hours in the office waiting for the eye drops to take effect or go elsewhere for the fundus imaging and then return with the results.”

Examination with Eyer2 by Dr Brandão shows a wart on the edge of the PSE.

Eyer2

Eyer2’s portable fundus camera is equipped with cutting-edge features designed to simplify clinical workflow and elevate diagnostic accuracy. Infrared light assists in detecting choroidal changes and performing meibography, while cobalt blue light aids in identifying corneal lesions. This technology allows for the detection of numerous anterior segment conditions, including blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, eyelid tumors, and keratitis.

The Eyer2 platform is a game-changer in clinical practice, offering streamlined examinations, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, and powerful technological tools that enhance patient care.

Key features include:

• Single-click registration
• Ergonomic design for enhanced comfort during examinations
• Portable imaging platform offering six distinct recording modalities, without the need for pupil dilation
• High-quality 55° color fundus imaging for detecting peripheral retinal lesions;
• Instant red-free imaging following color capture
• Posterior segment imaging with infrared light, crucial for assessing deeper retinal areas without patient discomfort, such as choroidal nevus and evaporative dry eye
• 3D effect of the optic disc
• Panoramic retinal image up to 120°
• High-definition documentation of the ocular surface for disease monitoring;
• Cobalt blue light for corneal lesion assessment
• Portability for use in various clinical settings, remote areas, and for bedridden or neonatal patients
• Seamless integration with EyerMaps, an AI-driven tool that highlights potential retinal anomalies in seconds
• Connectivity with EyerCloud, an online platform for managing examinations.

About Phelcom

Phelcom Technologies is a Brazilian medtech company based in São Carlos, in the interior area of São Paulo. The company’s story began in 2016, when three young researchers – a physicist, an electronics engineer and a computer engineer (physics, electronics, computing) – created a portable fundus camera integrated with a smartphone.

The first prototype project was born from partner Diego Lencione’s interest in visual health, as his brother has a condition that has severely compromised his retina and vision since childhood.

In 2019, Phelcom launched its first product on the Brazilian market: the Eyer portable fundus camera. Today, the technology has reached more than two million people throughout Brazil and in the countries where it is present and has been used in  more than 100 community screenings.