The slit lamp exam is a very common non-invasive test used for diagnostic purposes. It allows the doctor to review all major sections of the eye and provides a way to detect eye diseases early on before lasting consequences occur. The eye doctor may use a microscope called a slit lamp to examine the front of the eye. The microscope focuses a narrow, intense line of light on the eye.
The slit lamp provides an enlarged 3D view of the eye and allows the doctor to detect any minor abnormalities. Used with special lenses placed close to the eye, the slit lamp also provides detailed views of the back of the eye. To have a proper eye checkup, including a slit lamp exam, simply make an appointment with us here at the Powers Eye Center at (71) 598-5068 in Colorado Springs. A slit lamp exam is generally very safe, although medications that dilate the pupils carry some risks.
Another small lens will be used together with the slit lamp to provide the doctor with the necessary magnification. Once they are working, the ophthalmologist will re-examine you with the slit lamp, using a different lens to look at the back of the eye. The person will sit with their head resting on the microscope with a slit lamp and the doctor will place a special contact lens directly on the eyeball. The slit lamp allows the eye doctor to point a beam (or slit) of light at an angle at specific parts of the eye.
The person will sit in a chair in front of the slit lamp with the chin and forehead resting on a support. The slit lamp exam is particularly important for this purpose, as it allows the eye doctor to examine all major areas of the eye. A slit lamp exam may be used to help diagnose conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and more. After the slit lamp exam, your healthcare provider may tell you that your eyes appear to be healthy and that no disease has been detected.
A slit lamp is one of the devices that your healthcare provider can use to check the health of your eyes.
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