SLIT LAMP
is an instrument that uses high intensity light that is focused to shine a thin sheet of light into the eye. 

Doctor may administer eye drops to make any abnormalities more visible (fluorescein). Additional drops can be used to help dilate the eye.

Can Help Diagnose: macular degeneration, detached retina, cataracts, injury to the cornea, blockages of the retinal vessel or obstructions

Depending on the results, it can determine infection, inflammation, increased pressure of the eye, or degeneration of arteries/veins of eye

- Rationale:

Slit-lamp examination magnifies the anterior eye structures. Corneal staining uses dye to outline irregularities of the corneal surface that are not easily visible. Ophthalmoscopy allows viewing of the eye’s external and interior structures. All of these diagnostic tests could assist in a more conclusive diagnosis. The ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor specializing in eye/vision assessments, diagnosis, and treatments of eye alterations including surgery.

2.) After ophthalmoscopic assessment and corneal staining, the nurse practitioner diagnoses Ms. Santos with a corneal abrasion. Ms. Santos tells the nurse that she is unsure about how to instill the eyedrops that were prescribed. What patient teaching should the nurse provide to Ms. Santos?
- Rationale:
When teaching a patient about instillation of eyedrops, focus should be placed on infection control and correct technique.

-have a family history of glaucoma

-have diabetes

-have hypothyroidism

-have other chronic eye conditions or injuries are nearsighted

-have used corticosteroid medications for prolonged periods of time
SIGNS OF GLAUCOMA
-a gradual loss of peripheral vision

-tunnel vision

-severe eye pain

-blurred vision

-halos around lights

-reddening of your eye

HOW IT WORKS
The eye doctor will start by putting numbing eye drops in the eye. Once your eye is numb, your doctor may touch a tiny, thin strip of paper that contains orange dye to the surface of your eye to stain it. This helps increase the accuracy of the test. Your doctor will then put a machine called a “slit-lamp” in front of you. You will rest your chin and forehead on the supports provided. The lamp will then be moved toward your eyes until just the tip of the tonometer probe touches your cornea. By flattening your cornea just a bit, the instrument can detect the pressure in your eye. 

WHAT THE RESULTS TELL US
-Normal eye pressure is 12- 22 mm Hg. A normal test result means that the pressure in your eye is within the normal range and you don’t have glaucoma or other pressure-related eye problems.
-A pressure reading exceeding 20 mm Hg, you may have glaucoma or pre-glaucoma or you had an eye injury, or if you have bleeding in the front of your eye caused by blood vessel problems, inflammation, or other issues.

what is it: type of an eye examination that evaluates the internal drainage system of the eye. 
- Because the angle is inside the eye, essentially around a corner on the interior, it needs to be seen with a big contact lens called a gonioscope.

When to go for eye exam: 
If you don’t have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age:

Grading Scale : 
Shaffer System: commonly used grading system. It describes the degree to which the angle is open rather than closed.  
- the Shaffer system approximates the angle at which the iris inserts relative to the trabecular meshwork. 
- if the angle angle b/t the iris and the meshwork is 20 degree to 45 degrees. The angle is assessed at no capable of closure. 
- if angles of 20 degree or less= possible closure.