Slit Lamp Exam
Dr Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic Raut Eye Care

Read the article to know more about Slit Lamp Exam

Reviewed by
Dr. Aditya Raut M.B.B.S D.O.MS
Updated on Mar 08  •  2 mins read
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What is Slit Lamp Exam

A Slit Lamp Exam is a type of eye exam used to diagnose a range of eye conditions.The exam uses a special device called a slit lamp. It includes a microscope, light source, and magnifying lenses.

The light from the lamp is directed through a thin slit, illuminating the various parts of the eye.During the exam, your eye doctor will examine the front of your eye, including the eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens.

The doctor may also ask you to look directly at the light source and move your eyes in different directions.This allows your doctor to closely examine the movement and function of your eye muscles.

The examination is painless, but it may be uncomfortable for some people if the light is too bright.The doctor may also use different eye drops to dilate the pupil.

The Slit Lamp Exam is an important tool for diagnosing a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye.


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When to do Slit Lamp Exam

  1. Slit lamp exams are recommended for people of all ages who have signs or symptoms of eye problems. This exam can be used to assess the overall health of the eyes and to diagnose a variety of conditions. Specific groups of people who should receive a slit lamp exam include:
  2. • People with a family history of eye conditions or vision problems
  3. • People with diabetes or other systemic diseases that can affect the eyes
  4. • People who wear contact lenses or eyeglasses
  5. • People with a history of eye trauma or surgery
  6. • People with a history of eye infections or inflammation
  7. Situations in which a person should consult a doctor urgently for a slit lamp exam include:
  8. • Sudden decrease in vision
  9. • Severe eye pain
  10. • Blurry vision
  11. • Flashes of light or floaters in vision
  12. • Redness or swelling of the eyes
  13. • Excessive tearing or discharge from the eyes

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Diseases in which Slit Lamp Exam is done

  1. Cataracts: Slit lamp exam is used to assess the lens and its clarity to determine if a cataract is present. It can also be used to assess other abnormalities like corneal edema, anterior chamber inflammation, and iris abnormalities.
  2. Glaucoma: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the anterior chamber angle, optic nerve head cupping, and the presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) which are signs of glaucoma.
  3. Uveitis: Slit lamp exam is used to assess the anterior chamber for cells and flare, as well as the presence of keratic precipitates (KP) which are indicative of uveitis.
  4. Diabetic Retinopathy: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the retina and optic nerve head for any signs of diabetic retinopathy such as cotton wool spots, macular edema, and retinal hemorrhages.
  5. Macular Degeneration: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the macula and optic nerve head for any signs of macular degeneration such as drusen, pigmentary changes, and retinal atrophy.
  6. Dry Eye Syndrome: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the cornea for any signs of dry eye syndrome such as corneal staining, punctate epithelial erosions, and filamentary keratitis.
  7. Corneal Dystrophies: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the cornea for any signs of corneal dystrophies such as guttata, corneal opacities, and corneal edema.
  8. Retinal Detachments: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the retina and vitreous for any signs of retinal detachments such as retinal folds, vitreous hemorrhages, and retinal tears.
  9. Traumatic Eye Injuries: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the eye for any signs of traumatic eye injuries such as corneal abrasions, hyphema, and lens dislocation.
  10. Conjunctivitis: Slit lamp exam is used to evaluate the conjunctiva for any signs of conjunctivitis such as conjunctival injection, corneal ulceration, and purulent discharge.

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Symptoms that require Slit Lamp Exam

  1. Blurry vision: When you look at something, it's not clear or sharp.
  2. Halos: When you look at lights, you might see rings or circles around them.
  3. Flashes of light: You might see flashes of light in your peripheral vision.
  4. Double vision: When you look at something, it appears to be two separate images.
  5. Redness: Your eyes might be red or have a pinkish tint to them.
  6. Dryness: Your eyes might feel uncomfortable or gritty.
  7. Watery eyes: Your eyes might be overly tearful.
  8. Pain: Your eyes might hurt, feel tender or be sensitive to light.
  9. Discharge: Your eyes might have a yellow or greenish discharge.
  10. Floaters: You might be seeing spots or strands in your vision.

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How Slit Lamp Exam is done

  1. Hello there! Thank you for coming in for your Slit Lamp Exam. This exam is an important part of your overall eye health, and I'm excited to get started.
  2. The Slit Lamp Exam is a test that uses a specialized microscope to examine the structures of the eye. It is used to diagnose diseases of the outer and inner eye, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
  3. The automated equipment I will be using for your exam is a high-tech microscope that has multiple lenses and a bright light. This microscope is equipped with a camera that will provide a high-resolution image of the eye. This helps me see any changes in the structure or condition of your eye.
  4. During the exam, I will ask you to look into the microscope, and then I will adjust the lenses and light to get a clear view of your eye. I will focus on different areas of the eye and take pictures so I can review them later.
  5. The exam should take about 10-15 minutes. During the exam, I will ask you to move your eyes to different directions so that I can get a better view of the different structures of your eyes.
  6. At the end of the exam, I will review the images and discuss with you any findings.
  7. If you have any questions before, during, or after your Slit Lamp Exam, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to answer any questions you may have.

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How long will Slit Lamp Exam take

  1. .
  2. The Slit Lamp Exam typically takes around 10-15 minutes. We will be able to provide you with the reports within 24-48 hours after the exam.

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Reviewed By

Dr.Aditya Raut, MBBS, DOMS, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon, with experience of over 3000 cataract surgeries.

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Article Reviewed by Dr. Aditya Raut M.B.B.S D.O.MS Cataract Lasik and refractive surgeon
Specialist in number reduction surgery, Refractive Lens exchange and ICL surgery.

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