{"id":6734,"date":"2016-05-25T05:15:38","date_gmt":"2016-05-25T09:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.m2sys.com\/blog\/?p=6734"},"modified":"2024-05-21T05:33:16","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T09:33:16","slug":"difference-iris-retina-important-biometric-identification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.m2sys.com\/blog\/biometric-resources\/difference-iris-retina-important-biometric-identification\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference between the Iris and the Retina and Why It’s Important In Biometric Identification"},"content":{"rendered":"

Iris recognition and retinal scanning are both very reliable modalities for biometric identification. However, both possess different characteristics that have a strong impact on their performance based on the environment and deployment purpose. Both biometric modalities use contactless scanners<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> but there are notable differences between iris recognition and retinal scanning; one being that iris recognition is considered non-invasive, and retinal scanning as invasive because it beams visible light into the eyes during the scanning process.<\/p>\n

These biometric identification technologies are often misunderstood and incorrectly assumed to be one in the same despite their distinct differences. In this post, we will discuss the differences between iris recognition and retinal scanning.<\/p>\n

Retinal Scanning<\/h2>\n

The human retina is a thin tissue composed of neural cells situated in the posterior portion of the eye. Because of the complex arrangement of the capillaries that supply the retina with blood, each person\u2019s 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 case of diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma or retinal degenerative disorders, the retina typically remains unchanged from birth until death. (Via Wikipedia \u2013<\/em><\/strong> https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Retinal_scan<\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\n

Retinal scanning is used to map the unique patterns of a person\u2019s retina. The blood vessels within the retina absorb light more readily than the surrounding tissue and are easily identified with suitable lighting. A retinal scan is performed by projecting an unperceived beam of low-energy infrared light into a person\u2019s eye as they look through the scanner\u2019s 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 variation pattern is converted to a computer code and is stored in a database. Retinal scanning also has medical applications. Communicable illnesses such as AIDS, syphilis, malaria, chicken pox as well as hereditary diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia impact the eyes. Pregnancy also affects the eyes. Similarly, indications of chronic health conditions such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and cholesterol issues first appear in the eyes.<\/p>\n