General

Synonym/Acronym:
Slit-lamp examination.

Rationale
To detect abnormalities in the external and anterior eye structures to assist in diagnosing disorders such as corneal injury, hemorrhage, ulcers, and abrasion.

Patient Preparation
There are no food or fluid restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to withhold eye medications (particularly miotic eyedrops, which may constrict the pupil, preventing a clear view of the fundus, and mydriatic eyedrops in order to avoid instigation of an acute open-angle attack in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma) for at least 1 day prior to the procedure. Patients with blue or hazel eye color have the option of requesting dilating drops with a lower concentration than standard drops, as blue or hazel eyes dilate faster than brown eyes and will remain dilated for a longer period of time. Ensure that the patient understands that they must refrain from driving until the pupils return to normal (about 4 hr) after the test and has made arrangements to have someone else be responsible for transportation after the test.

Normal Findings

• Normal anterior tissues and structures of the eyes.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A