Slit Lamp Examination: Why It Is Done

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Why It Is Done

A slit lamp exam may be done:

• As part of a routine eye examination along with other procedures to evaluate the eye, such as ophthalmoscopy, vision testing, or tonometry (to measure pressure in the eye).
• To look at structures in the back of the eye, such as the optic nerve or retina.
• To help detect disorders in the structures in the front of the eye, such as infection or injury to the cornea, cataracts, conjunctivitis, or iritis.
• To help detect and monitor glaucoma or macular degeneration.
• To check for a foreign body, such as a metal fragment, on or in the eye.
• To detect eye problems that may be caused by other diseases, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Routine slit lamp examinations are important to detect eye problems at an early stage and to guide treatment if eye problems develop.
• To monitor complications such as bleeding after an eye injury.
• To monitor complications such as cataract formation that occur because of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or after a bone marrow transplant.

Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer