Are Slit Lamps Safe for Opticians to Use? Find Out Here!

  • Thread starter Thread starter beemast4
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Slit
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the safety of slit lamps used by opticians, particularly concerning the brightness of the light emitted and its effects on the human eye. Participants explore various aspects of eye examinations, including the use of eye drops and testing conditions, with a focus on differences in practices between regions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that slit lamps are safe, noting that the brightness is manageable.
  • One participant suggests that the adaptation of the eyes to different light levels is significant, especially when comparing dim examination rooms to bright outdoor conditions.
  • There is a claim that low light conditions during eye testing may enhance sensitivity due to pupil dilation.
  • Another participant states that eye drops are not used for regular eye testing in Brighton, UK, emphasizing a preference for less invasive methods.
  • Conversely, a participant from the US describes a different practice where eye drops are administered after an initial exam, suggesting a regional variation in procedures.
  • One participant humorously questions the necessity of eye drops, implying skepticism about their use and the associated costs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of eye drops during eye examinations, with some asserting they are not necessary while others describe their routine use in different regions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the safety and necessity of certain practices related to slit lamp examinations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights regional differences in eye examination practices and the potential variability in the use of dilating drops, which may depend on local standards and preferences.

beemast4
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
At opticians they use slit lamps. Does anyone know if they are safe for the human eye (the light can be bright and annoying)? I'd imagine they'd have safety checks on that kind of stuff.

Anyone can answer?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Yes, it is safe. It's just a little bright.
 
If you were outside in the Sun and not in the dim examining room, I bet you'd hardly be able to see that slit of light that looks so bright. Your eyes can adapt to an amazingly big range of light levels, given a few minute to adjust.
I think one of the reasons for using low light conditions for eye testing is that you pupil is open wide and gives you much less depth of field, this making the test more sensitive.
 
sophiecentaur said:
If you were outside in the Sun and not in the dim examining room, I bet you'd hardly be able to see that slit of light that looks so bright. Your eyes can adapt to an amazingly big range of light levels, given a few minute to adjust.
I think one of the reasons for using low light conditions for eye testing is that you pupil is open wide and gives you much less depth of field, this making the test more sensitive.

Actually, they will generally use eye drops to dilate your eyes for such exams. They do that primarily so they can see more of the retina.
 
Eye drops are not used for regular eye testing ( not in Brighton UK). That includes the pressure test and view field. You don't want to see a test chart with eyes full of drops. The less invasive and more 'normal' the better.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Eye drops are not used for regular eye testing ( not in Brighton UK). That includes the pressure test and view field. You don't want to see a test chart with eyes full of drops. The less invasive and more 'normal' the better.

Here locally in the US they do the eye exam first, with the eye chart, etc., and then put in the dilating drops and have you sit around for 10-15 minute while your pupils dilate for the rest of the exam. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Here locally in the US they do the eye exam first, with the eye chart, etc., and then put in the dilating drops and have you sit around for 10-15 minute while your pupils dilate for the rest of the exam. :smile:

You wait till Obamacare kicks in. The optician will ask you to read the number plate on a car outside and stamp you as A1 fit.
The UK is somewhere in between. They do pretty much everything without drops, including looking at the retina. You may well find that it's not really necessary on 'your side' but they do it to justify charging you their fees. Is it snake oil in the dropper? lol.
 

Similar threads

Optical qualities of prism sheet and glass substrate (LCD screen)
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
8K
Medical Using Far-UVC Light To Kill Airborne Human Coronaviruses
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
8K
Would Products Manufactured in U.S. be Safe from Carcinogens?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is my handheld UV lamp safe to use for checking luminescent materials?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Does a qubit break interference in the double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad The physical components in the electron double slit experiment
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
How Does Flickering Light Influence Our Brain's Perception of Image Brightness?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
High School Can someone please explain to me the motion of an electron?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Medical Is the Future of Medicine Already Here?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Double slit problem with glass block
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K