Taking High-Quality Eye Images with a Smartphone
Modern smartphones are equipped with advanced cameras capable of capturing high-quality images. With proper technique, your phone can be used to obtain clear, detailed photographs of your eyes suitable for assessment.
Image quality and flash positioning are critical for accurate evaluation of the pupils.
Best Practices for Capturing Clear Eye Images
- Clean the Camera Lens
Before taking a photo, ensure the camera lens—especially the rear-facing lens—is clean to prevent blurring or distortion. - Maintain Optimal Distance
Hold the phone approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from your eye. This distance allows the camera to achieve proper focus and image clarity. - Proper Framing
Make sure the entire eye, including the sclera (the white part of the eye), is centered and fills the frame. Avoid shadows, glare, or obstructions that may obscure the eye. - Use the Cropping Tool Correctly
Keep the cropping frame at its default size. Instead of resizing the crop, adjust the position of your eye within the frame using your finger. This ensures the image maintains a 4:3 aspect ratio. Note: Cropping feature is now automatic! - Stabilize the Camera
Hold the phone steadily or rest your hand on a stable surface to minimize motion blur. - Ask for Assistance if Needed
If capturing the image on your own is difficult, ask a family member or friend to assist. They can help maintain the correct distance and ensure proper framing.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your eye images are sharp, well-centered, and suitable for accurate analysis. Images that do not meet quality requirements may be rejected.
Taking Your Own Eye Images Using a Mirror
If assistance is unavailable, you can take high-quality images of your eyes independently using a mirror and the rear camera of your smartphone. This method allows you to view the phone screen via the mirror while adjusting focus and positioning.
General Instructions
- Take your eye images in a well-lit bathroom with a clean mirror and the lights fully turned on.
- If available, set the camera zoom to 2–3× (2.5× is optimal).
- Hold the phone in a vertical (portrait) orientation.
- To photograph your right eye, hold the phone in your right hand.
- To photograph your left eye, hold the phone in your left hand.
- Position the rear-facing camera approximately 3–4 inches from the eye, ensuring the image remains sharp and in focus.
- Keep the entire eye visible and centered in the frame, with eyelids opened as wide as possible. Ensure no shadows obscure the eye or pupil.
- Hold the phone steadily while taking the photo. If possible, use a tripod or brace your elbows against your body for added stability.
- Avoid saving or submitting images in which the camera flash obscures the pupil borders, as this may result in inaccurate measurements and rejection.
- Repeat the process for the opposite eye. Photograph each eye separately, starting with the right eye.
