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External Examintion

The Optometrist may use a Slit-lamp microsocope to examine the front structures of the eye, lids, conjunctiva, cornea. The anterior inner structures can also be examined, iris and anterior lens.  Sometimes a yellow dye (fluorescein) is put into the tear film to detect damage to the normally transparent cornea and surrounding tissues.

With the use of an additional hand held lens (a Volk lens) a 3 dimensional image of structures at the back of the eye can be seen.  This is particularly useful when assessing the optic nerve in a glaucoma suspect.