Slit Lamp ExaminationHow It Is DoneMost of the time, a slit lamp examination is done by an
ophthalmologist or
optometrist. In some situations, a
family medicine doctor or an
emergency medicine specialist may perform the
test. - Your eyes may be dilated. Anesthetic eyedrops
may be used to numb your eye if a foreign body is to be removed or if eye
pressure is being measured (tonometry).
- You will sit in a chair and
rest your chin and forehead against bars on the slit lamp. The lights in the
room will be dimmed.
- The slit lamp will be placed in front of your
eyes, in line with the health professional's eyes. Focus your eyes in the
direction requested by the health professional and try to hold your eyes steady
without blinking.
- A narrow beam of bright light from the slit lamp
is directed into your eye while the health professional looks through the
microscope. In some cases, a camera may be attached to the slit lamp to take
photographs of different parts of the eye. See a picture of a
slit lamp
examination
.
If a foreign body is present or if the cornea appears infected or
injured, a test called fluorescein staining may be done along with a slit lamp
examination. - During this test, your health professional
applies a yellow dye called fluorescein as an eyedrop or as a paper strip that
is gently touched to the inside of your lower eyelid. The dye dissolves in your
tears, coats your cornea, and collects temporarily in any scratches or other
abnormal areas. The rest of the dye is washed away by your tears.
- Your health professional shines a blue light onto your eye. The
fluorescein glows bright green under the light, allowing the health
professional to see scratches, ulcers, burns, or areas of irritation from an
infection or dryness.
A slit lamp examination takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
| |