What can a slit lamp examine?

The slit lamp is an essential tool in ophthalmology that is primarily used to examine the structures of the anterior segment of the eye. This includes the cornea, conjunctiva, anterior chamber, iris, and lens.

The anterior chamber, which is located between the cornea and the iris, contains aqueous humor and is a critical area for assessment when diagnosing various eye conditions, including glaucoma and other anterior segment disorders. The slit lamp provides a magnified view that helps clinicians evaluate the health of these structures, allowing for detailed observation of any abnormalities such as inflammation, corneal lesions, or cataracts.

While it is also important to understand that the slit lamp cannot adequately visualize the posterior chamber, vitreous body, or retinal layers directly, these areas may require other imaging techniques or tools like indirect ophthalmoscopy or ultrasound for assessment. Such methods are designed for different portions of the eye and have different capabilities compared to the slit lamp.