Submit to Diagnostics Review for Diagnostics Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Eye Imaging

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 18104

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Antonio Ferreras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: eye
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, different imaging techniques have been adopted as part of the usual examinations in ophthalmology. Optical coherence tomography is one of them, playing a key role in the diagnosis and follow-up of many ocular diseases. Imaging devices are frequently enhanced, providing higher resolution and quality scans obtained from evaluated tissues. Consequently, the assessment of the structures of the eye has become more accurate over time.

Additionally, the upgrades introduced in the built-in analysis tools make it easy to make decisions in real practice. Most clinical guidelines include the outcomes of these tools in the algorithms for the management of eye disorders affecting the anterior pole, retina, or optic nerve head.

We encourage authors to submit manuscripts related to this topic to increase the current knowledge on the anatomy of the eye, the physiopathology of eye diseases, and clinical studies based on imaging technologies.

Dr. Antonio Ferreras
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

14 pages, 10187 KB

Open AccessArticle

Demodicosis Mite Detection in Eyes with Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Based on Deep Learning Model

by Elsa Lin-Chin Mai, Ya-Ling Tseng, Hao-Ting Lee, Wen-Hsuan Sun, Han-Hao Tsai and Ting-Ying Chien

Diagnostics 2025, 15(24), 3204; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15243204 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1360

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Demodex mites are a common yet underdiagnosed cause of ocular surface diseases, including blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Traditional diagnosis via microscopic examination is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based system for the automated detection and quantification of Demodex mites from microscopic eyelash images. Methods: We collected 1610 microscopic images of eyelashes from patients clinically suspected to have ocular demodicosis. After quality screening, 665 images with visible Demodex features were annotated and processed. Two deep learning models, YOLOv11 and RT-DETR, were trained and evaluated using standard metrics. Grad-CAM visualization was applied to confirm model attention and feature localization. Results: Both YOLO and RT-DETR models were able to detect Demodex mites in our microscopic images. The YOLOv11 boxing model revealed an average precision of 0.9441, sensitivity of 0.9478, and F1-score of 0.9459 in our detection system, while the RT-DETR model showed an average precision of 0.7513, sensitivity of 0.9389, and F1-score of 0.8322. Moreover, Grad-CAM visualization confirmed the models’ focus on relevant mite features. Quantitative analysis enabled consistent mite counting across overlapping regions, with a confidence level of 0.4–0.8, confirming stable enumeration performance. Conclusions: The proposed artificial intelligence (AI)-based detection system demonstrates strong potential for assisting ophthalmologists in diagnosing ocular demodicosis efficiently and accurately, reducing reliance on manual microscopy and enabling faster clinical decision making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1949 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Invasive Dry Eye Disease Detection Using Infrared Thermography Images: A Proof-of-Concept Study

by Laily Azyan Ramlan, Wan Mimi Diyana Wan Zaki, Marizuana Mat Daud and Haliza Abdul Mutalib

Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162084 - 20 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dry Eye Disease (DED) significantly impacts quality of life due to the instability of the tear film and reduced tear production. The limited availability of eye care professionals, combined with traditional diagnostic methods that are invasive, non-portable, and time-consuming, results in delayed detection and hindered treatment. This proof-of-concept study aims to explore the feasibility of using smartphone-based infrared thermography (IRT) as a non-invasive, portable screening method for DED. Methods: This study included infrared thermography (IRT) images of 40 subjects (22 normal and 58 DED). Ocular surface temperature changes at three regions of interest (ROIs): nasal cornea, center cornea, and temporal cornea, were compared with Tear Film Break-up Time (TBUT) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. Statistical correlations and independent t-tests were performed, while machine learning (ML) models classified normal vs. DED eyes. Results: In these preliminary results, DED eyes exhibited a significantly faster cooling rate (p < 0.001). TBUT showed a negative correlation with OSDI (r = −0.802, p < 0.001) and positive correlations with cooling rates in the nasal cornea (r = 0.717, p < 0.001), center cornea (r = 0.764, p < 0.001), and temporal cornea (r = 0.669, p < 0.001) regions. Independent t-tests confirmed significant differences between normal and DED eyes across all parameters (p < 0.001). The Quadratic Support Vector Machine (SVM) achieved the highest accuracy among SVM models (90.54%), while the k-Nearest Neighbours (k-NN) model using Euclidean distance (k = 3) outperformed overall with 91.89% accuracy, demonstrating strong potential for DED classification. Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence supporting the use of smartphone-based infrared thermography (IRT) as a screening tool for DED. The promising classification performance highlights the potential of this approach, though further validation on larger and more diverse datasets is necessary to advance toward clinical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 857 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Ocular Blood Flow in Males with Metabolic Syndrome

by Takahiro Maruyama, Tomoaki Shiba, Tatsuhiko Kobayashi, Seiji Takagi and Yuichi Hori

Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2021; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162021 - 12 Aug 2025

Viewed by 725

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate ocular blood flow in male subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). Methods: Subjects who underwent LSFG ocular blood flow testing during physical examinations were separated into a MetS group and a control group. The groups were propensity score-matched by age, with 138 male subjects compared in each group. The subjects’ ocular blood flow (mean blur rate, MBR) in the optic nerve head (ONH) and choroid was measured via LSFG. Pulse waveform parameters, the blowout score (BOS), blowout time (BOT), and rising rate (RR), were also measured. The ONH region was measured as a whole and as tissue and vascular regions. Results: The MBR-Choroid was significantly lower in the MetS group versus the control group. There was no significant difference in the MBR in the ONH. Compared to the control group, the RR values in the MetS group were significantly lower in all regions. The whole tissue region and vascular region BOS values were significantly higher in the MetS group. A single-regression analysis revealed that among the evaluated parameters, only the number of MetS components was significantly negatively correlated with the MBR-Choroid. A multiple regression analysis identified HbA1c as a factor contributing independently to the MBR-Choroid among the MetS-related factors. Conclusions: This investigation of adult males clarified that in the early stage of MetS, the MBR in the choroid area decreases in parallel with the accumulation of MetS components. The MetS component with the strongest influence on the MBR-Choroid was HbA1c. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1074 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Retinal and Optic Nerve Changes in Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors: An OCT-Based In Vivo Analysis

by Yasemin Bakkal Temi, Büşra Yılmaz Tuğan, İlkay Çıtakkul, Ece Baydar, Gözde Karaca, Sibel Balcı, Devrim Çabuk, Umut Kefeli, Nurşen Yüksel and Kazım Uygun

Diagnostics 2025, 15(13), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15131682 - 1 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1149

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of layer-by-layer macular thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), and minimum rim width (MRW) between the eyes of patients with prostate cancer undergoing treatment with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) and those of age- and sex-matched healthy controls, with the aim of assessing the potential effects of ARPIs on retinal structure. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 80 eyes of 80 patients with ARPI-treated metastatic prostate cancer and 80 eyes of 80 age-matched healthy controls were evaluated using Heidelberg Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT). Layer-by-layer macular thickness, pRNFL, and MRW were measured and compared between groups. Results: Thickness in most segments of retinal layers and pRNFL, as well as all MRW values, were significantly lower in the ARPI-treated group than in the controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of age, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, or lens status. Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate layer-by-layer macular thickness in patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated with ARPIs, revealing significant thinning in nearly all macular layers, pRNFL, and MRW. These findings suggest that ARPI therapy may induce neurodegenerative changes in retinal and optic nerve structures. Therefore, further research is warranted to assess the ocular safety of these therapeutic agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 951 KB

Open AccessArticle

Utilizing Shear Wave Elastography for the Evaluation of Ocular Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

by Mehmet Kök, Ayşe Ayan, Mehmet Emin Arayici and Sinan Ülgen

Diagnostics 2025, 15(10), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15101227 - 13 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1344

Abstract

Background: Several imaging studies have confirmed ocular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, elastography has not yet been used for this purpose in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate ocular involvement in SSc using shear wave elastography (SWE). Methods: This study included 29 SSc patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent independent ophthalmological evaluations by two ophthalmologists. Subsequently, SWE was used to evaluate the retina–choroid–sclera (RCS), optic disc (OD), optic nerve (ON), and retrobulbar adipose tissue (RBFT) of the right eye. The median shear wave elasticity (kPa) and velocity (m/s) values were automatically calculated using the ultrasound device’s integrated software. Results: The elasticity and velocity values of RBFT in SSc patients were significantly higher than those in the control group. However, no notable differences were observed in other analyzed areas. A strong association was found between digital ulcers and velocity values of the RCS, while no significant differences were noted for other parameters. Conclusions: This study revealed increased stiffness in the RBFT of SSc patients. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence suggesting that SSc can affect RBFT. Further studies are required to confirm this finding and investigate its link to the disease. Additionally, we found a strong association between digital ulcers and increased RCS stiffness. Using SWE for the first time, we have demonstrated that microcirculatory disruption in SSc extends beyond the skin and can affect multiple tissues simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

21 pages, 1664 KB

Open AccessReview

Clinical Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Uveal Melanoma: A Narrative Review

by Mario Troisi, Livio Vitiello, Filippo Lixi, Mihaela Madalina Timofte Zorila, Giulia Abbinante, Alfonso Pellegrino, Assem Namazbayeva, Ginevra Giovanna Adamo, Giulia Coco, Alberto Cuccu and Giuseppe Giannaccare

Diagnostics 2025, 15(19), 2421; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192421 - 23 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, most frequently arising from the choroid, followed by the ciliary body and iris. Its diagnosis and management require precise characterization of tumor morphology, localization, and associated complications to optimize visual and systemic outcomes. Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT), anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA) have expanded the ophthalmologist’s ability to non-invasively visualize structural and vascular changes associated with this disease. In fact, enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and swept-source (SS) OCT can provide detailed views of deep ocular structures, enabling early detection of hallmark features such as subretinal fluid, retinal pigment epithelium disruption, and dome- or mushroom-shaped choroidal elevations; AS-OCT improves evaluation of lesions of the anterior segment, revealing iris architecture distortion and angle involvement; OCTA facilitates the visualization of abnormal tumor vasculature and detection of radiation-induced microvascular changes, including capillary dropout and foveal avascular zone enlargement. Moreover, these imaging modalities have demonstrated utility in differentiating uveal melanoma from pseudomelanomas, such as choroidal nevi, hemangiomas, and metastases. The present review aims at objectively assessing the use of OCT and OCTA in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of ocular melanoma, emphasizing their crucial role in identifying pathologic biomarkers of this potentially fatal ocular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 325 KB

Open AccessReview

The Perspective of Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Ophthalmology: Present and Future Applications

by Mario A. Vasilescu and Mioara L. Macovei

Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040402 - 7 Feb 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4150

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging plays a major role in the field of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating ophthalmological diseases. Since its introduction in the early 1990s, OCT technology has continued to advance both in the direction of acquisition quality and technique. In this manuscript, we concentrate on actual and future applications of OCT in the ophthalmology field, reviewing multiple types of OCT techniques and systems, such as visible-light OCT, adaptative optics OCT, intraoperative OCT, wide-field OCT, and more. All of them allow better monitoring of ocular diseases, earlier and broader diagnosis, and a more suitable treatment. Furthermore, overviewing all these technologies could play a pivotal role in research, leading to an advance in understanding the pathophysiology of targeted diseases. Finally, the aim of the present review was to evaluate the technical advances in OCT and their actual and potential clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

13 pages, 1453 KB

Open AccessReview

The Value of MRI and Radiomics for the Diagnostic Evaluation of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

by Weiyi Zhou, Yan Song, Jufeng Shi and Tuo Li

Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030388 - 6 Feb 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3288

Abstract

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a vision-threatening autoimmune disease that involves the extraocular muscles (EOMs) and periorbital fat. Typical signs of TAO include eyelid recession, proptosis, diplopia, and decreased visual acuity. As a self-limited disease, there is major bipolarity in clinical outcomes in TAO population. The early diagnosis and prediction of these refractory and relapsed patients is essential. Unfortunately, commonly used tools such as CAS/NOSPECTS, are based on clinical symptoms and signs alone, have significant limitations. Some imaging techniques or examinations, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be very effective in assisting TAO assessment, from exhaustive whiteboard notes to optimized patient outcomes. Being one of the most commonly used and accurate objective examinations for TAO assessment, MRI boosts no ionizing radiation, high soft tissue contrast, better reflection of tissue water content, and the ability to quantify multiple parameters. In addition, novel MR sequences are becoming increasingly more familiar in TAO and other areas of clinical and scientific research. Moreover, radiomics, a method involving the extraction of a large number of features from medical images through algorithms, is a more recent approach used in the analysis and characterization of TAO data. Thus, this review aims to summarize and compare the value of routine and novel functional MRI sequences and radiomics prediction models in the diagnosis and evaluation of TAO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

17 pages, 16138 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH)—What Do We Know About the Disease, and Can We Recognize It?

by Maria Boyadzhieva, Preslava Encheva, Dobrin Boyadzhiev, Valeri Sheherov, Darina Koseva and Zornitsa Zlatarova

Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010141 - 1 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1259

Abstract

Background: Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that ophthalmologists often encounter first. The condition is caused by an immune response against tyrosinase-related proteins in pigment cells (melanocytes) of the uvea, inner ear, meninges, and skin, and the process may be triggered by genetic and environmental factors. Although much is known about the disease, establishing an accurate and timely diagnosis still requires a multidisciplinary team and strong clinical expertise. Treatment demands early and aggressive anti-inflammatory therapy with corticosteroids, often prolonged and combined with immunosuppressive or biological agents. Aim: The present article aims to present three unique cases of patients with VKH syndrome, diagnosed and monitored by Ophthalmologists using standard imaging techniques over the course of five years, to demonstrate the unusual manifestations of the already rare syndrome and to improve the general knowledge of the disease among Ophthalmology specialists. Methods: Three different patients with various subjective symptoms and unique clinical signs went through observation in University Specialized Eye Hospital for Active Treatment—Varna. Results: The three clinical cases presented diagnostic challenges, the key role of imaging studies and the importance of thorough medical history taking. Conclusions: The prognosis in VKH is variable—timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of recurrence and chronic progression of the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eye Imaging)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Eye Imaging

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI