Cellular Neural Network based algorithm in image analysis of age related macular degeneration

One of the leading causes of blindness among the elderly is age related macular degeneration (AMD), which can be classified as neovascular (wet) and non-neovascular (dry). Wet AMD, the more severe variety, is characterized by the presence of haemorrhages surrounding the macula, as well as the presence of drusen, also found in dry AMD. In this note, semiautomated attempts at detecting the haemorrhages as well as drusen, with the help of Cellular Neural Network (CNN) templates are presented for 20 images. The method is found to hold promise for a longitudinal study of the degeneration that occurs in AMD.