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Slit Lamp Examination

(continued)

Results

The slit lamp exam uses an instrument that provides a magnified, three-dimensional (3-D) view of the different parts of the eye.

**Slit lamp examination**
Normal:	The eyelashes, eyelids, and lining of the eyelids (conjunctiva) look normal. All of the structures inside of the eye look normal.
Abnormal:	Cataracts are seen. Changes are found in the cornea, such as an irregularly shaped cornea or a corneal scratch (abrasion), ulcer, or infection A foreign body, such as a metal fragment, is found. Infection, such as iritis or conjunctivitis, is found. Bleeding is seen between the iris and cornea (hyphema) from a sudden break in a blood vessel or as a result of an injury to the eye.

What Affects the Test

The inability to remain still throughout a slit lamp examination may make it hard for your doctor to check your eyes.

What To Think About

Other eye tests may be done routinely along with a slit lamp examination, including ophthalmoscopy, vision testing, and tonometry testing for glaucoma. For more information, see the topics Ophthalmoscopy, Vision Tests, and Tonometry.
A test called gonioscopy may be done during a slit lamp examination to detect certain types of glaucoma. A special contact lens (goniolens) is placed on your eye and a narrow beam of bright light is directed into your eye while the health professional looks through the slit lamp at the drainage angle in your eye. For more information, see the topic Gonioscopy.
The doctor may use a high-powered lens to examine the vitreous gel and retina of the eye.

Other Works Consulted
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Last Revised	June 9, 2011

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 09, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.