Since the Scheimpflug principle was first described more than a century ago, there has been great interest among ophthalmologists in the use of Scheimpflug cameras in anterior-segment imaging. Scheimpflug cameras have advanced significantly and modern-day instruments provide comprehensive imaging and topographic data of the anterior segment. The clinical applications and limitations of Scheimpflug imaging in corneal, cataract and refractive surgery patients are discussed. This article also covers an assessment of anterior chamber biometry for precataract surgery calculations and glaucoma screening, corneal topography of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using elevation data for early detection of keratoconus and post-laser in situ keratomileusis ectasia, lens changes with accommodation, lens transparency for cataract grading, and integrity and density of the posterior capsule for posterior-capsule opacification grading using the currently commercially available Scheimpflug cameras.