Vision Exam Breakdown

SLIT LAMP EXAM

A slit lamp is an upright microscope that allows a practitioner to thoroughly examine the external aspects of the eye: the lids, conjunctiva, corneal tissue, iris, and lens. If the eye is dilated, the internal structures can also be examined in great detail. Abnormalities of these structures may indicate cataracts, macular degeneration, optic nerve disease, or other retinal diseases can be detected.

WHEN SHOULD EYE EXAMS BE CONDUCTED?

Most children should have an eye exam by age 5, although exams can be performed sooner if needed. It is never too early to have a thorough visual assessment to check for concerns that may cause school-related or developmental problems. It is extremely important to monitor children under age 5 for vision-related issues as they may not be able to verbalize their visual problems.

Adults should have eye exams annually. Patients with systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases may require more frequent evaluations. How often these examinations are recommended depends on the severity of the systemic disease, how severe the vision loss may be at present, or the potential for initial or further vision loss.