The slit lamp (also known as the slit lamp microscope) is one of the most important examination devices in ophthalmology. During a slit lamp examination, a slit-shaped beam of light brightly illuminates the patient's eye. This allows the doctor to view the eye through a magnifying glass (microscope).
The slit lamp enables the ophthalmologist to detect small irregularities and changes in the cornea. The slit lamp has a magnification of 6 to 30 times.
As the ophthalmologist uses both eyes when looking through the microscope, a three-dimensional image is created for him. The slit lamp is therefore a stereo microscope.
The slit lamp has been used for detailed eye examinations since 1911. Early on, experts found ways to better illuminate and magnify the barely visible structures of the eye.
Looking inside the eye and at the fine details of the retina in particular is not possible without aids. The slit lamp is the tool of choice for these purposes.
The light slit can be adjusted to different widths. The exposure methods are also variable (diffuse, direct, lateral, frontal).
This enables precise optical inspection of all anterior and middle sections of the eye, as well as the posterior sections using additional glass.
Other instruments can be used in conjunction with the slit lamp examination. For example, it is possible to take photos or videos or to measure intraocular pressure.
The narrow beam of light enables an optical section to be made through the transparent sections of the eye @ mmphoto /AdobeStock
The slit lamp can be used to diagnose the following:
Diseases such as an altered retina, retinal detachment or a damaged optic nerve head can be seen at the back of the eye.
The slit lamp is used to detect various eye diseases.
The following list shows the areas of the eye that can be examined with the slit lamp:
The following disorders and diseases can be detected by a slit lamp examination:
During the eye examination with a slit lamp, the patient sits opposite the doctor. A padded base supports and fixes the patient's forehead and chin so that they do not move during the examination.
The patient's pupils must be wide in order to be able to see the back of the eye clearly. The patient is given eye drops to dilate the pupils.
The patient is also given a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops. This prevents the patient from squinting their eyes. The doctor illuminates the front of the eyes with a focused beam of light. This enables him to detect any unnatural or pathological changes.
The slit lamp is the most important examination device in ophthalmology @ andrey /AdobeStock
There are no risks associated with the non-contact slit lamp examination. However, there may be side effects when administering eye drops.
These are mainly
Possible discomfort disappears after a short time without any problems.
Dilating the pupils with medication requires caution: the pupil always constricts naturally when light enters it. The medication blocks this function.
Therefore, even a normal incidence of light can lead to glare. Due to this fact, you must not drive while the medication is effective.
