Slit Lamp Exam

   The slit lamp is like a low-powered microscope turned sideways. It allows a binocular, magnified view of the eyelids and lashes, ocular surface (conjunctiva, cornea), and internal structures in the front half of the eye (anterior chamber, lens, anterior vitreous cavity, and with a special lens, the anterior chamber angle).

   Common abnormalities include infections of the eyelids (blepharitis), conjunctiva (conjunctivitis, "pink eye") or cornea (keratitis), corneal or conjunctival foreign bodies, anterior chamber inflammation (iritis), and lens opacities (cataracts - which may or may not be a threat to vision).