The aim of this study - to conduct first examinations of astronauts' and cosmonauts' ocular lenses with regard to signs of radiation-induced cataract - was successfully achieved in a total of 21 astronauts and cosmonauts using a Scheimpflug camera system. It is planned to examine a larger group of astronauts and cosmonauts in the future.

Teleconsultation services are ready to support and improve perioperative cataract management. Patients' confidence in their medical treatment was increased by using teleconsultation services. Physicians will expand the use of teleconsultation.

Report on the use of a new image processing system (IPS) for automated morphometry of the corneal endothelium. The method is demonstrated with endothelial photographs taken with the aid of a Keeler-Konan wide angle specular microscope. The original picture is enlarged ten times, then digitized, detected, and analyzed. Areas containing 100-250 endothelial cells can be evaluated automatically. Depending on the quality of the photographs, larger areas sometimes require interaction by the investigator. The evaluation of a 621-cell picture is demonstrated step by step. The time saving which the method offers and its objectivity are discussed, as well as its use in combination with different specular microscopes.

Telemedical services must be understood as a complete process of medical care on the basis of modern communication technologies, which influences also the management of this process.

No abstract