Facilitating deep learning through preprocessing of optical coherence tomography images

BACKGROUND: While deep learning has delivered promising results in the field of ophthalmology, the hurdle to complete a deep learning study is high. In this study, we aim to facilitate small scale model trainings by exploring the role of preprocessing to reduce computational burden and accelerate learning. METHODS: A small subset of a previously published dataset containing optical coherence tomography images of choroidal neovascularization, drusen, diabetic macula edema, and normal macula was modified using Fourier transformation and bandpass filter, producing high frequency images, original images, and low frequency images. Each set of images was trained with the same model, and their performances were compared. RESULTS: Compared to that with the original image dataset, the model trained with the high frequency image dataset achieved an improved final performance and reached maximum performance much earlier (in fewer epochs). The model trained with low frequency images did not achieve a meaningful performance. CONCLUSION: Appropriate preprocessing of training images can accelerate the training process and can potentially facilitate modeling using artificial intelligence when limited by sample size or computational power. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-023-02916-2.