[Documentation of ophthalmological findings in contact lens wearers: software-based symbol library of the Efron grading scale].

BACKGROUND: To prevent complications through the use of contact lenses the efforts spent on documentation will have to be increased to meet the demands of quality management. How can ophthalmologists benefit from the use of software-based graphical documentation?
METHODS: To make a standardized documentation of contact lens complications possible a software module with a graphically intuitive visualization scheme of the Efron grading scale was developed. The Efron grading scale defines 16 different classes of findings scaled to 5 grades.
RESULTS: The software module shows a schematic view of the eye which allows an easy sectoral assignment of all 16 Efron findings. The designated sector can simply be marked with a mouse click. A subsequently appearing context menu offers all 16 Efron findings together with the corresponding 5 grades. Finally the chosen Efron grade is graphically visualized in the corresponding sector.
CONCLUSION: The software module supplies a feasible way for high quality documentation in the clinical routine with illustrative visualization. The practical application of software tools to assist clinical documentation can help to meet the challenges of quality management in contact lens utilization.