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Learn How to Use the Slit Lamp: Know the Steps

Slit Lamp is one of the core instruments of ophthalmology. It helps with the smooth diagnosis of eye problems. For accurate results, you should know how to use the instrument properly. You can learn the right skills after buying a high-quality slit lamp in India from a renowned shop. In this blog, we will discuss the steps that you must know to use the slit lamp like a pro.

Learning How to Use a Slip Lamp

 1. Positioning

The first technique that you should learn is correct positioning. You should position the patient before you in a proper manner. Raise or lower the chair to adjust the height. After getting the chair at the correct height, you should sit comfortably to look through the oculars. Do not duck or tilt your head, and do not use the instrument while standing.

While examining the patient, ensure that he is comfortable and relaxed. Now position him correctly – chin in cup, forehead against the top strap. Line up his eyes with the side markings on the patient stabilization frame. Instruct the patient to stay intact without moving.

  2. Dilated Retinal Exam

Set up the beam and use a dimmer illumination. A shorter beam (5 to 6 mm tall) decreases photophobia, while a wider beam (~1.5 to 2 mm wide) integrates what you see. Now hold the lends from the patient’s eye with the thumb and index finger. Align the lamp perpendicular to the patient’s eye, so it goes straight through the pupil. You should now see the red reflex and the beam travelling to the centre of the pupil. Also, keep the iris in focus.  

Now you have to swing the light into the light’s path and start by backing away in a straight line. Move your head sideway to check the alignment. You can see the slit lamp beam going through the lens and hitting the patient’s pupil.

  3. Optic Nerve Examination 

The next step is the undilated exam. It is suggested for glaucoma patients, and the doctors use a small beam to reduce the glare from the iris. Proper positioning is the key to obtaining accurate results. Your patient should look 15-20 degrees temporally on the eye during the examination. It puts the entire optic nerve in view. You should follow similar steps for a dilated retinal exam as well.

Using the slit lamp, you can do other things like check intraocular pressure, check for cell and flare with the right magnification and more. Buy premium grade slit lamps and flash autoclaves from Modern Surgical. We are a well-established company specializing in all types of ophthalmic and surgical equipment. Visit the website to know more.