Photography of the anterior eye segment according to Scheimpflug's principle: options and limitations - a review

Scheimpflug photography and densitometric image analysis are very precise techniques for light scattering measurement and biometry in the anterior segment of the eye. They provide reproducible data on the characteristics of the anterior eye segment in clinical and experimental studies and the set of data obtained allows discrimination of light scattering changes because of ageing, disease or toxic effects. The techniques can also be used to determine no-effect levels or maximally tolerable dosages of physical and chemical noxious factors. Several Scheimpflug cameras have been marketed, but the only cameras commercially available today are the Nidek EAS 1000 and the Oculus Pentacam. This review outlines the development of the technique and its introduction into ophthalmology. Furthermore, the application of the technique in clinical and experimental ophthalmology as well as in ocular toxicology are presented and discussed.