Slit-lamp exam

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Eye

Eye lens anatomy

Slit-lamp exam

The slit-lamp examination looks at structures that are at the front of the eye.

Biomicroscopy

The slit-lamp is a low-power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine in a thin beam.

You will sit in a chair with the instrument placed in front of you. You will be asked to rest your chin and forehead on a support to keep your head steady.

The health care provider will examine your eyes, especially the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, and iris. Often a yellow dye (fluorescein) is used to help examine the cornea and tear layer. The dye is either added as a drop, or the health care provider may touch a fine strip of paper stained with the dye to the white of your eye. The dye rinses out of the eye with tears as you blink.

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Next, drops may be placed in your eyes to widen (dilate) your pupils. The drops take about 15 to 20 minutes to work. The slit-lamp examination is then repeated using another small lens held close to the eye, so the back of the eye can be examined.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

Your eyes will be sensitive to light for a few hours after the exam if dilating drops are used.

This test is used to examine the:

• Conjunctiva
• Cornea
• Eyelids
• Iris
• Lens
• Sclera

Review Date: 02/10/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).