Eye experts will use a test to check your eye health which we commonly know as slit lamp exam. This ensures that every part of your eye is taken into account, even inside your eye's interior, allowing them to determine if you have any problems relating to your vision or even the early indications of other problems like glaucoma and cataracts.
During a full eye examination, the subject sits before the slit lamp after resting their chin on a support with their forehead. With this instrument, an eye specialist can observe the eyes in detail and see whether some abnormalities exist. The results will be discussed with the person without delay.
A slit lamp is a specially designed microscope that sends a bright light to look at parts within the eye by the eye care specialist. They will adjust the light to find layers in and through your eye.
The general health of the eyes will be examined, and the possible problems, symptoms, and signs you may be experiencing will be identified.
Dilating your eyes probably will be done by your eye care provider to carry out this examination procedure. You cannot drive. Please make transport arrangements for someone to collect you after your appointment.
Slit lamp examination will generally be done during a routine eye check in the office of the eye care provider. This is one of the essential tests that one needs for maintaining one's vision and eye health.
People who were referred to undergo slit lamp examination were usually based on cases occurring in one eye, or for those whose eye care provider suggested looking for signs of a possible condition.
The same holds true for others diagnosed with diabetes, as they should maintain a regular eye check-up, and they may consider performing slit lamp examination more frequently.
For slit lamp examination, an eye doctor would have the patient rest the chin at the chinrest, and forehead against the support.
The first look at the eyes can be followed by a dye called fluorescein to facilitate an easier way of having the exam.
The doctor will then install a few eye drops for dilatation of the pupils; once dilated, he will be able to see other structures in the eye. The effect of the drops should be felt bout twenty minutes after application.
This will be given in an eye-drop form or on a small, thin paper strip that contacts the white of the eye.
Once a patient has his pupils dilated, the doctor will retake an eye examination. This time they will be using a certain lens closer to the eye. It does not hurt, but there might be some slight stinging during the application of the eye drops.
Dilated pupils become very large and may cause the person a bit extra sensitivity to light. This makes it uncomfortable to drive or be outside. The eye drops should fade away within a couple of hours and wearing sunglasses should assist in this time.
You may need an eye slit lamp exam every few years. This, then, will allow your eye care provider to monitor changes in the eye and the signs and symptoms you present.
Your eye care practitioner will use the slit lamp exam to examine conditions affecting people's eyes:
Your eye care practitioner will tell you how often you need a slit lamp exam and what disorders or changes they are looking for.
At the office visit, your eye care professional will conduct a slit lamp examination. There is no extra appointment or special place to go.
The slit lamp instrument is a microscope that has an intense beam of light that an eye care specialists project into the person's eye. They adjust to different levels of brightness and thinness of the beam to see structures within the different layers of your eye.
They will look outside parts of your eye, including:
Inside your eye will be viewed as well by your eye care specialist, including:
Your eye doctor can add some dye to your eye using either drops or a piece of colour-soaked paper placed over your eye.
This is to see any scratches or damages on the cornea. Moreover, the rate by which the dye evacuates your eye may indicate an issue concerning your tear apparatus.
There's nothing to be done for preparation for a slit lamp exam. Another thing your eye care specialist may do is dilate your pupils using some special eye drops just before the test.
If you want to check out if they will dilate your pupils, you will need to organize with whom you can arrange to pick you up after your appointment, with this having been mentioned above.
It is not generally a good idea, after dilation of pupils to drive, so do arrange for someone's assistance ahead of time.
After the slit lamp examination, you need not do anything. In case your pupils are dilated, don't drive until they return to normal size. However, as they are relatively dilated during testing, expect that the eyes will typically be more sensitive to light afterward.
So, it may be wise to wear sunglasses for a few hours after your visit. As soon as the pupils return to normal size, you can participate in all usual activities.
Very rarely some people may have side effects from the pupil-dilating eye drops. This may include:
Slit lamp exam results are not similar to other kinds of tests. A number, ratio, or positive/negative result is not given. Rather, there will be findings by your eye care specialist after looking into your eyes as to whether further tests or treatments will be required.
If you have any problems or conditions that will need addressing, your eye care specialist will tell you what you will need and what to expect.
Consult your eye care specialist if you have any side effects after the slit lamp examination. If, however, your vision worsens overnight or you lose your vision in one or both of your eyes following the test, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
A slit lamp examination is one of the most essential tests conducted by your eye care provider to prevent loss of sight and analyze the health of your eyes. It is extremely quick and easy and may even become part of your normal eye check-up.
Any changes to your eyes and any new symptoms from the eyes should be mentioned to your provider. The sooner a symptom is looked at; the more likely it is that it can be caught before causing problems with eyesight. If you need a slit lamp exam, then Vision Concern has the best service.
Ans: During slit lamp examination, fluorescein dye can be added to the condition of the cornea by which the foreign body or metal fragment is contrasted with the infected or diseased area.
Ans: The slit lamp is both magnifying object and an illuminator for enhanced viewing of all things possible through and outside the eye which is better than an ophthalmoscope.
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
