Zeiss unveils latest ultra-widefield imaging device

The Clarus 500, unveiled at the International Vision Expo and Conference in Las Vegas Nevada, is the first fundus imaging syst that combines colour and high-resolution clarity down to seven microns within an ultra-wide field of view.According to Zeiss, the device can produce images that closely resble the colouration of the retina, as seen through direct observation during clinical examination.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: With Zeiss Clarus, they can better manage a broader range of patients with one fundus imaging syst. -WHO:Mr Jim Mazzo, Global president of ophthalmic devices at Zeiss}}Global president of ophthalmic devices at Zeiss, Mr Jim Mazzo, said he believed ultra-widefield technology was beginning to overtake traditional fundus imaging systs as the gold standard for macular disease diagnosis and optic nerve evaluation.“Clinicians are finding that by imaging a larger area of the retina, they have the possibility of uncovering more pathology, aiding in earlier disease diagnosis and better patient managent,” he said.“With Zeiss Clarus, they can better manage a broader range of patients with one fundus imaging syst.”The new technology is able to produce a 133-degree HD widefield image, which is then automatically merged to achieve a 200-degree ultra-wide field of view.According to Zeiss, this allows clinicians to review and compare high-quality images captured during a single exam, while also providing annotation and caliper measurent tools that help facilitate in-depth analysis of eye health.The Clarus 500 is also able to perform peripheral imaging, while still maintaining the ability to zoom into the retina without losing resolution.However, while the device is available in the US already, it is not known when it will be released to other major markets – including Australia.