[Videography with the slit lamp].

BACKGROUND

Many new diagnostic instruments have been introduced for imaging in ophthalmology, particularly for retinal diseases and diagnostics in glaucoma. The slit lamp, however, as the most important instrument in practical ophthalmological work, has been largely unchanged for decades. It will be shown that a video slit lamp can be used for monitoring of a much broader spectrum of ophthalmological diseases than is commonly used at present. We name the required methods and techniques collectively videography.

METHODS

There are only few additional technical requirements (fundus lenses, minus lenses, recentration prism, generally available computer programmes). The following methods and techniques are applied in slit lamp videography: 1) special considerations of illumination; 2) sequential analysis of video recordings; 3) picture composites especially for topographic overviews; 4) the flicker test to detect changes in ocular tissue by virtual movement.

RESULTS

These methods and techniques of videography open new fields for slit lamp imaging in ophthalmology - equally of the retina (e.g., follow-up in glaucoma and macular disease) and face (e.g., photography of squint). Illustrative examples are given.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmologists, especially those without access to a professional photographic unit, should be encouraged that with a video slit lamp nearly all clinical findings can be documented efficiently if clear concepts - as given by videography - exist as to what is to be done.