The use of digital image capture in contact lens practice

The present decade has seen the introduction of digital imaging systems to a number of medical environments, including contact lens practice. During the past year, the authors have used two anterior segment video-based digital image capture systems. These systems allow instantaneous image capture and have both diagnostic value to practitioners and educational value to patients. This paper discusses and clarifies the terminology that surrounds such systems and looks carefully at the advantages and disadvantages when compared to more traditional 35 mm photography in particular with reference to image colour, resolution and storage. The difference between video digital image capture and the more recently available digital camera image capture is also discussed. The value of digital imaging is shown by a series of images from the authors' archives.