Slit Lamps

With the help of special lenses, doctors can also view posterior (back) eye parts such as the retina, optic nerve and the drainage angle, which is where fluid exits the eye.

Doctors may use slit lamps to check for:

• Foreign objects
• Cysts
• Ulcers
• Cataracts
• Conjunctivitis
• Iritis
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Indications of diabetes
• Indications of rheumatoid arthritis

Depending on their objective, doctors may put one of three types of drops in the eye. Fluorescein is a yellow dye (introduced by drop or paper strip) that is used to detect corneal injuries, particles and abnormal tear production. Mydriatic drops dilate the pupil so doctors can get a better view of the inner eye. Lastly, numbing drops may be used in the case of foreign object removal or during tonometry (eye pressure check).