Eye diagnostics refers to all methods and procedures used to identify visual disorders or eye diseases and to prepare suitable therapies. These include, in particular, slit lamp examination, optical coherence tomography, pachymetry, fluorescein angiography, eye biometry and corneal topography.
Below you will find further information on the individual examinations and selected specialists for eye diagnostics.
Ophthalmological diagnosis usually begins with an eye test to determine visual acuity. If the patient has glasses, the values are recorded or adjusted and the eye is measured using an autorefractometer. If necessary, the intraocular pressure is measured to rule out damage to the eye, such as glaucoma. Other important examination methods are
In eye diagnostics, the slit lamp examination is a basic instrument for eye diagnostics that is used to examine the front of the eye. It allows the doctor to examine the outer areas of the eye, such as the cornea and the iris, in detail. If the pupil is dilated, it is also possible to examine the lens of the eye and the back of the eye. The slit lamp directs a narrow beam of light onto the eye so that the doctor can also see small irregularities with the attached microscope
A pivoting light source, the slit lamp, emits a narrow, slit-shaped beam of light @ mmphoto /AdobeStock
If indicated, special further diagnostics may also be required, including the measurement of corneal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) or as part of pachymetry.
For more complex procedures, specialist practices carry out additional examinations, such as imaging the retinal blood vessels using fluorescein angiography or biometric measurements of the eye.
Fluorescein angiography enables ophthalmologists to precisely visualize and assess the back of the eye including the retinal vessels @ RFBSIP / AdobeStock
Further examinations that are carried out depending on the initial situation include an ultrasound examination, a visual field test, an examination of the retina or a corneal topography.
With the help of the various diagnostic procedures, ophthalmologists naturally identify typical eye diseases, such as
Eye diagnostics are also necessary in order to plan suitable treatment for these diseases. Anyone suffering from long-sightedness or short-sightedness, for example, needs a visual aid that compensates for the defective vision and enables them to see clearly. To do this, the doctor must first identify the cause of the condition and carry out various measurements using suitable equipment. In the case of defective vision, the cause of blurred vision is usually an eyeball that is too long or too short. A visual aid must compensate for the distance and therefore fit the anatomy of the eye exactly.
In the case of other eye conditions, the doctor must find out the patient's eye anatomy in detail before any intervention, such as cataract surgery or a corneal transplant.
The eyes are very sensitive organs, and it is literally a matter of "millimeter work" - or finer. The smallest changes to the cornea or even the retina can lead to a loss of visual acuity or visual field loss.
Alternative practitioners and eye diagnostics
In the alternative medicine sector, eye diagnostics is seen as a supplement to the scientifically oriented direction.
The core of the alternative procedure is iridology (iris diagnosis or iris analysis). It is based on an examination of the iris (iris of the eye). The iris is said to reflect the physical structures, including the organs, and provide information on their state of health. In addition to iris diagnostics, alternative eye diagnostics also includes an analysis of the cornea and conjunctiva, the pupil and the sclera (white of the eye).
Iris diagnosis is currently offered by many alternative practitioners. It is generally used as an indicative diagnosis. There is no standardized professional basis. However, most practitioners work on the basis of the principles of the physician Walter Lanf and the findings of the alternative practitioner Josef Deck. The basic assumption is that the nerves are firmly connected to the iris of the eye. Accordingly, organic diseases and physical disorders can be recognized by certain spots or rings on the iris.
There is no scientific basis for naturopathic eye diagnostics. It is recommended that you always consult a suitable specialist if you have physical problems!
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