Slit Lamp Tutorial

An eye doctor, more commonly known as an ophthalmologist, generally performs a slit lamp examination during a regular eye exam. The device shines a light into the eye, which allows the doctor to examine the eye in detail with a microscope. However, medical professionals who do not have much experience using a slit lamp (e.g., general practitioners who do not perform eye exams on a regular basis) may require some re-education and practice. Using a slit lamp is a relatively simple procedure that involves placing the patient in a comfortable position and making some adjustments to the apparatus.

Things You'll Need

• Slit lamp

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask the patient to position himself so he is comfortable. Lower or raise the chair until the patient is at an appropriate level that allows his head to rest on the headrest.

• 2

  Position the chin level of the headrest apparatus under the patient's chin. Adjust the headrest so the black mark located on the side of it is level with the patient's eye. Raise or lower the chin rest by twisting it until you reach the desired level.

• 3

  Locate the lever on the lamp that allows you to adjust the light. Use the dial to make the slit of light larger or smaller. Adjust it so it is at its highest margin.

• 4

  Adjust the objective on the slit lamp's microscope to its lowest power. Use the dial on the microscope to change the objective as desired. Most slit lamps have a lowest setting of 10x.

• 5

  Move the slit lamp forward, backward or from one side to another with the joystick located on the lower portion of the lamp. Adjust the lamp until you obtain a good focus on the patient's eye.

• 6

  Adjust the thickness of the light with the lamp level while examining the patient's eye. This will allow you to properly perform your examination. Be sure to keep the slit lamp in focus when making adjustments to the light.