London, March 2 (SANA) Automatic image processing in smartphone cameras may distort medical photos and potentially affect diagnoses, according to new research from the United Kingdom.
The study, conducted by two scientists at Bangor University and published on Medical Xpress, found that built-in enhancements such as color correction, brightness adjustment and skin-tone optimization can alter clinically important details. Changes to images may obscure signs including jaundice, cyanosis or subtle features of skin lesions.
Researchers said the issue could complicate remote assessments, particularly for patients with darker skin tones or in cases where symptoms are mild.
The authors also highlighted other factors that can influence how images are interpreted, including poor lighting, use of night mode and variations in the quality or calibration of a physician’s display screen.
They recommended disabling filters and beauty settings when taking medical photos, using natural light where possible and providing written descriptions of symptoms when submitting images for remote review.
The study urged clinicians to interpret smartphone images with caution and to request in-person examinations if uncertainty remains. It also suggested smartphone manufacturers consider introducing a dedicated “medical mode” that disables automatic enhancements and flags low-quality images.
The findings come as telehealth services continue to expand, with many providers relying on patient-submitted smartphone photos for preliminary evaluations.
