REAL-TIME TELEMEDICINE IN THE CLINICAL-ASSESSMENT OF THE OCULAR SURFACE

PURPOSE: To report the feasibility of real time video and audio transm ission of slit lamp images of the eye using conventional telephone sys tems. METHOD: We analyzed the feasibility and benefits of telemedicine in the diagnosis and follow up of ocular surface disorders in referra l 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 satisfactor y visual resolution of the ocular surface for the diagnosis and follow -up of ocular surface and corneal disease, while simultaneous audio tr ansmission allowed for direct communication with the patient and atten ding physician when necessary. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine using conventi onal telecommunication infrastructures offers sufficient information f or the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular surface disorders in referral patients. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.