Validity of teleophthalmology for the early diagnosis of visual conditions or pathology: systematic review

Introduction:Teleophthalmology is presented as an effective tool to contribute to the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions, since it has the advantage of dispensing with face-to-face visits to the ophthalmologist.Objective: To analyze the validity of teleophthalmology as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of visual problems in patients treated remotely.Method: A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO bibliographic databases, using the search strategy: "eye health" OR "visually impaired persons" OR "vision disorders" OR "diabetic retinopathy" AND ophthalmology OR "diagnostic techniques ophthalmological "OR teleophthalmology OR telemedicine OR" health sciences, technology, and innovation management" OR "vision tests" AND effectiveness OR "diagnostic test routine" OR "early diagnosis" OR "sensitivity and specificity".Results: The validity of teleophthalmology as an effective tool was evidenced through different diagnostic tests and it proved to be a strategy with high sensitivity (87.4-94.6%)and specificity (74.3-92.9%)supported by five articles, one from Chile.Conclusions: Teleophthalmology is highly sensitive and useful for the diagnosis of certain ophthalmological conditions, especially diabetic retinopathy.However, it still faces obstacles such as the lack of evidence on the results, safety, and standardization of nomenclature, regulations, ethics and specialized personnel for its management.