Telemedizinische Ansätze in der Augenheilkunde in Zeiten von COVID-19

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic access to and utilization of ophthalmologic healthcare providers was partially restricted. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of already available tele-ophthalmologic applications for better care during the pandemic as well as those still under development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included an analysis of current scientific publications, analysis of unrestricted screening applications in smart device app stores as well as telemetric medical products specifically designed for home monitoring and discussion of the requirements of an integrated ophthalmologic video consultation. RESULTS: There is significant interest in tele-ophthalmologic applications and devices as evidenced by a rise in the number of relevant publications. Freely available screening tests for smart phones and tablets are as a rule currently not validated and show significant discrepancies from established standard tests. Telemetric medical devices show great potential for home monitoring in chronic ophthalmologic diseases but must first become established in the clinical routine. CONCLUSION: There is an unmet need for systematic analysis, development and validation of telemedical applications and medical products for ophthalmology in order to advantageously utilize the potential of telemedicine and to incorporate this into an ophthalmologic video consultation.