Clinical applications of the Scheimpflug principle in Ophthalmology

Abstract

This article presents a review of the principles and clinical applications of the Scheimpflug principle in the anterior segment imaging. By providing a three-dimensional image of the anterior segment, this technology provides elevation and curvature data of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea, pachymetric mapping, the total refractive power of the cornea and the anterior segment biometry. For the refractive surgery sub-specialty, this approach improves the ability to identify cases at risk of ectasia, as well as the planning and evaluation of the results of surgical procedures. Recently, this technology was introduced in corneal biomechanical in vivo evaluations and in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.