Automatic cataract grading based on three-dimensional optical coherence tomography

A method for automatic cataract grading using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device in a system having a controller with at least one processor and at least one non-transitory, tangible memory, the method comprising:

• dividing a lens into a plurality of regions, the OCT device being adapted to generate three-dimensional OCT data of the lens;
• defining respective segmentation lines for the plurality of regions based in part on predetermined reference values;
• adjusting the respective segmentation lines to fit respective areas adjacent to the plurality of regions, the respective areas having a relatively high gradient value;
• determining a respective mean opacity for the plurality of regions based on the three-dimensional OCT data;
• and
• generating a cataract distribution trace of the lens based on the respective mean opacity in the plurality of regions.

A system of automatic cataract grading using an optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) device, the system comprising:

• a controller having at least one processor and at least one non-transitory, tangible memory on which instructions are recorded, the OCT device generating three-dimensional OCT data of a lens;
• wherein execution of the instructions by the processor causes the controller to:
• divide the lens into a plurality of regions, including a nuclear region, a posterior cortical region, an anterior cortical region, and a posterior subcapsular region;
• define respective segmentation lines for the plurality of regions based in part on predetermined reference values;
• adjust the respective segmentation lines to fit respective areas adjacent to the plurality of regions, the respective areas having a relatively high gradient value;
• determine a respective mean opacity for the plurality of regions based on the three-dimensional OCT data;
• generate a cataract distribution trace of the lens based on the respective mean opacity in the plurality of regions;
• define an axis of interest in the lens such that relatively high value points in the cataract distribution trace are approximately symmetrical;
• determine a respective mean intensity in a sweep of points around the axis of interest;
• and
• augment the cataract distribution trace of the lens based on the respective mean intensity along the axis of interest.