Become Anthea

• What is the primary use of slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  To examine the anterior segment of the eye
• Why is slit lamp biomicroscopy considered essential for routine eye exams?

  It reveals early pathology that other methods cannot
• What are the key features of the anterior segment of the eye?

  • Easily accessible part of the eye
  • Signals changes in many disease processes in the eye and body
• What is the purpose of proper contact lens fitting and aftercare?

  To ensure comfort and prevent complications
• What is tonometry used for?

  To measure intraocular pressure
• What type of tonometry is commonly used?

  Goldmann applanation tonometry
• What are the components of the anterior chamber examination?

  • Gonioscopy
  • Depth assessment
  • Inflammation evaluation
• What is the purpose of anterior segment imaging?

  To visualize structures in the anterior segment
• What is the purpose of foreign body removal in eye examinations?

  To prevent damage and infection
• What conditions might be observed in the eyelids during examination?

  • Meibomianitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Hordeolum
  • Ectropion
• What conditions might be observed in the eyelashes during examination?

  • Trichiasis
  • Pediculosis
  • Distichiasis
• What is a common symptom of dry eye?

  Insufficient tear production
• What conditions might be observed in the conjunctiva during examination?

  • Conjunctivitis
• What conditions might be observed in the cornea during examination?

  • Infiltrates
  • Pannus
  • Pterygium
• What abnormalities might be observed in the pupil during examination?

  • Anomalous pupillary responses
  • Irregular pupil
• What conditions might be observed in the iris during examination?

  • Iris atrophy
  • Transillumination defects
• What abnormalities might be observed in the anterior chamber during examination?

  • Narrow angle
  • Presence of cells/flare
• How does the angle of illumination vary in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • It is adjusted based on the structure being examined
• What are the functions of the different filters used in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • Neutral density: decreases brightness for comfort
  • Polarizing: enhances visibility of defects
  • Diffuser: provides even illumination
  • UV and heat filters: prevent phototoxic damage
  • Red-free or green filter: enhances contrast for blood vessels
  • Cobalt blue: for viewing fluorescein and corneal damage
• What is the magnification range typically used in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • Often between 1-40x
  • Can be continuous or in fixed steps
• What are the techniques used in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • Direct illumination
  • Indirect illumination
  • Retro illumination
  • Sclerotic scatter
  • Vital staining (fluorescein, lissamine green, rose Bengal)
• What is the purpose of direct illumination in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To examine corneal/contact lens deposits and eyelid/lash abnormalities
• What is the purpose of indirect illumination in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To observe faint irregularities and deeper tissue areas
• What is the optic section technique in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • Uses oblique illumination to provide maximum contrast and depth visibility
• What is the purpose of the parallelpiped technique in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To assess the texture and integrity of corneal and lens surfaces
• What is the small spot technique used for in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To examine the anterior chamber and detect floating debris
• What is retroillumination in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • Observing structures in light reflected from deeper structures
• What is sclerotic scatter used for in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To detect stromal edema and foreign bodies
• What is the Van Herrick technique used for?

  • To grade anterior chamber depth and identify angles at risk of closure
• What are the indications for gonioscopy?

  • Narrow angle
  • Assess suitability for pupil dilation
  • Diagnosis and management of glaucoma
  • Iris neovascularization
  • Uveitis
  • Trauma
• What is the purpose of specular reflection in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To view corneal endothelium and lens capsule surfaces
• What is the purpose of staining with fluorescein in slit lamp biomicroscopy?

  • To assess the integrity of corneal and conjunctival epithelium
• What anatomical structures are visible during gonioscopy?

  • Iris processes
  • Ciliary body
  • Scleral spur
  • Trabecular meshwork
  • Schwalbe’s line
  • Cornea
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different gonio lens types?

  • 4 mirror: No viscous medium needed, but less stable
  • 6 mirror: Versatile but requires rotation
  • 3 mirror: Stable image but needs cushioning agent
• What is the general procedure for gonioscopy?

  • Use vertical, parallelpiped 2-3mm wide, magnification at 6-16x
  • Start with viewing inferior angle
• What is the Goldmann “Universal” 3 mirror gonioscope used for?

  • To view posterior pole, optic disc, macula, and peripheral retina
• What should be recorded after gonioscopy?

  • R/L eye, drops used, time, and most posterior structure seen in each quadrant
• What are the troubleshooting steps for gonioscopy?

  • Adjust pressure for air bubbles
  • Decrease pressure for corneal folds
  • Hold lids to prevent blinking
  • Change beam angle for reflections
  • Check lens centration for poor view
• What are the contraindications for gonioscopy?

  • Trauma
  • Pregnancy
  • Corneal infections
• What is the purpose of anterior segment imaging?

  • To assess corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and iris angle