Can J Ophthalmol
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Canada's vast size and remote rural communities represent a significant hurdle for successful monitoring and evaluation of diabetic retinopathy. Teleophthalmology may provide a solution to overcome this problem. We investigated the application of Joint Photographic Experts Group (PEG) compression to digital retinal images to determine whether JPEG compression could reduce file sizes while maintaining sufficient quality and detail to accurately diagnose diabetic retinopathy. ⋯ The application of JPEG compression at ratios of 55:1 and 113:1 did not significantly interfere with the identification of specific diabetic retinal pathology, diagnosis of level of retinopathy or recommended follow-up. These results indicate that JPEG compression at ratios as high as 113:1 has the potential to reduce storage requirements without interfering with the accurate and reproducible teleophthalmologic diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. This pilot project demonstrates the potential for JPEG compression within a digital teleophthalmology viewing system.