"Glaucoma Detection Using Histogram-Based Analysis and
Cup-to-Disc Ratio (CDR) Method in MATLAB"
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that leads to irreversible vision loss if not diagnosed and
managed early. This study presents a computer-aided approach for the detection of glaucoma using
MATLAB, focusing on two primary diagnostic indicators: Histogram Analysis and the Cup-to-Disc Ratio
(CDR) method. These techniques are applied to retinal fundus images to evaluate structural changes in the
optic nerve head—key markers of glaucomatous damage.
The proposed method begins with preprocessing of the fundus image to enhance contrast and remove
noise, followed by optic disc and optic cup segmentation using morphological operations and edge
detection. The CDR is calculated by dividing the vertical diameter of the optic cup by that of the optic
disc, providing a quantitative measure of optic nerve cupping. A higher CDR value is a strong indicator of
glaucoma. In parallel, histogram analysis is used to evaluate the intensity distribution within the optic
nerve region, helping to identify areas of nerve fiber layer thinning and asymmetry—typical in
glaucomatous eyes.
The system was implemented using MATLAB’s image processing toolbox, and tested on a set of annotated
retinal images. Results showed a significant correlation between increased CDR values, abnormal
histogram distributions, and clinically diagnosed glaucoma cases. This dual-approach enhances diagnostic
accuracy by combining structural and statistical image features.
The methodology offers a low-cost, automated screening tool for early glaucoma detection, particularly
beneficial in resource-limited settings. Future work may include integrating machine learning models for
improved classification and expanding the system for large-scale screening applications.