Having secured FDA clearance, Canon is now releasing its CR-2 PLUS digital non-mydriatic retinal camera to the U.S. market. The main feature of the camera over the CR-2 model is its ability to do fundus autofluorescence photography that is used to detect macular residue such as lipofuscin that gathers in the retinal pigment epithelial layer.
Like some other Canon retinal cameras, the CR-2 PLUS uses a common Rebel digital SLR as the image sensor.
More from the press release:
Weighing approximately 44 pounds, the compact and lightweight Canon CR-2 PLUS Retinal Camera delivers both red-free and cobalt digital filters that are useful in evaluating the vascular and nerve fiber layers. The CR-2 PLUS also features a dedicated 18-megapixel EOS camera technology that has been specifically adapted to capture detailed diagnostic images of the retina. The low-flash intensity of the CR-2 PLUS minimizes pupil constriction and shortens the time required for taking multiple pictures including stereo photography.
The Canon CR-2 PLUS Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera features an ergonomic design and optional hard shell travel case to protect the unit for transport, making it a mobile retinal imaging solution. The control panel’s simplified design can be easily handled by a trained examiner. The camera can be operated using one hand to move the joystick to position the camera to the desired field of view. In darkly lit rooms, the operation panel illuminates for easier navigation. The CR-2 PLUS also utilizes Canon’s Retinal Imaging Control Software (RICS), which allows images to be captured, processed and sent to a permanent storage database as DICOM®2 or JPEG files. The images can also be printed.
Press release: Canon U.S.A. Announces The CR-2 PLUS Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera at Vision Expo West 2011
Product page: Canon CR-2 Plus