A retinal scan is a biometric technique that uses the unique patterns on a person's retina to identify them. It is not to be confused with another ocular-based technology, iris recognition.
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The human retina is a thin tissue composed of neural cells that is located in the posterior portion of the eye. Because of the complex structure of the capillaries that supply the retina with blood, each person's retina is unique. The network of blood vessels in the retina is so complex that even identical twins do not share a similar pattern.
Although retinal patterns may be altered in cases of diabetes, glaucoma or retinal degenerative disorders, the retina typically remains unchanged from birth until death. Due to its unique and unchanging nature, the retina appears to be the most precise and reliable biometric.[1] Advocates of retinal scanning have concluded that it is so accurate that its error rate is estimated to be only one in a million.
A biometric identifier known as a retinal scan is used to map the unique patterns of a person's retina. The blood vessels within the retina absorb light more readily than the surrounding tissue and are easily identified with appropriate lighting. A retinal scan is performed by casting an unperceived beam of low-energy infrared light into a person’s eye as they look through the scanner's eyepiece. This beam of light traces a standardized path on the retina. Because retinal blood vessels are more absorbent of this light than the rest of the eye, the amount of reflection varies during the scan. The pattern of variations is converted to computer code and stored in a database.[2]
The idea for retinal identification was first conceived by Dr. Carleton Simon and Dr. Isadore Goldstein and was published in the New York State Journal of Medicine in 1935.[3] The idea was a little before its time, but once technology caught up, the concept for a retinal scanning device emerged in 1975. In 1976, Robert "Buzz" Hill formed a corporation named EyeDentify, Inc., and made a full-time effort to research and develop such a device. In 1978, specific means for a retinal scanner was patented, followed by a commercial model in 1981.[4]
In the movie 'The Minority Report', retinal scanning is used everywhere to identify people. They are also used by the police in the movie to locate individuals throughout Washington, D.C.
In the 1982 movie "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan", Admiral Kirk gains access to top secret computer files by use of a retinal scan.
In the 1966 movie Batman, Batman describes to Robin how the tiny vessels in the retina are unique to the individual and utilizing the portable retina scan device in the Batmobile they could confirm the identity of the Penguin.
Characters in the 1996 film Mission: Impossible, the film Paycheck, the 1995 film GoldenEye, and the 1999 film Entrapment utilize or try to deceive retinal scanners.[5]
In the 'Splinter Cell' series, retinal scanners are used to identify agents within Third Echleon and guards within military/business complexes.
Retinal scanners are typically used for authentication and identification purposes. Retinal scanning has been utilized by several government agencies including the FBI, CIA, and NASA. However, in recent years, retinal scanning has become more commercially popular. Retinal scanning has been used in prisons, for ATM identity verification and the prevention of welfare fraud.[6]
Retinal scanning also has medical application. Communicable illnesses such as AIDS, syphilis, malaria, chicken pox and Lyme disease as well as hereditary diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia impact the eyes. Pregnancy also affects the eyes. Likewise, indications of chronic health conditions such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and cholesterol issues first appear in the eyes.[7]
Advantages[4]
Disadvantages[4][8]