Real-time telemedicine in the clinical assessment of the ocular surface.

PURPOSE

To report the feasibility of real-time video and audio transmission of slit-lamp images of the eye using conventional telephone systems.

METHOD

We analyzed the feasibility and benefits of telemedicine in the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface disorders in referral patients using a real-time audio-video system that functions through integrated services digital network lines at a transmission speed of 384 kilobytes per second.

RESULTS

Real-time slit-lamp images obtained through integrated services digital network lines offered satisfactory visual resolution of the ocular surface for the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface and corneal disease, while simultaneous audio transmission allowed for direct communication with the patient and attending physician when necessary.

CONCLUSION

Telemedicine using conventional telecommunication infrastructures offers sufficient information for the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface disorders in referral patients.