Question 1

How do I prepare for a Slit-lamp examination (biomicroscopy)?

Accepted Answer

Quick and painless test that uses a microscope with bright light to detail the structures of the eye.

Question 2

What do I need to know before a Slit-lamp examination (biomicroscopy)?

Accepted Answer

• **Definition:** A quick and painless test that uses a microscope with bright light to examine the structures of the eye in detail.
• **Fasting:** No fasting necessary. You can eat your usual food and drink water or liquids normally before coming to your appointment.
• **Medication:** You should maintain and take your usual medication at the appropriate times, including any eye drops or artificial tears you use daily. As always, any doubt or adjustment in your treatments should be discussed beforehand with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** You can wear the clothes you feel most comfortable in. There is absolutely no restriction on metals, jewelry, piercings, or watches for this exam.
• **Specific Requirements:** If you use contact lenses, the specialist will ask you to remove them before starting, so we suggest taking your case and liquid, or coming directly with your glasses. During the test, you must rest your chin and forehead on a support of the machine to keep your head still. In some cases, the doctor may apply drops with a yellow dye (fluorescein) or drops to dilate the pupil; if you are going to be dilated, it is highly recommended to be accompanied by an adult and wear sunglasses, as it will not be safe to drive home.
• **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** It is a completely safe and painless procedure. The only main discomfort is that the microscope light is very bright and can dazzle you a bit or make your eyes tear temporarily. If dilating or dye drops are applied, you will feel a slight sting that lasts just a few seconds. After dilation, you will notice sensitivity to light and blurred vision (especially near vision) for several hours.

Question 3

What do I have to do before a Slit-lamp examination (biomicroscopy)?

Accepted Answer

• **Definition:** A quick and painless test that uses a microscope with bright light to examine the structures of the eye in detail.
• **Fasting:** No fasting necessary. You can eat your usual food and drink water or liquids normally before coming to your appointment.
• **Medication:** You should maintain and take your usual medication at the appropriate times, including any eye drops or artificial tears you use daily. As always, any doubt or adjustment in your treatments should be discussed beforehand with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** You can wear the clothes you feel most comfortable in. There is absolutely no restriction on metals, jewelry, piercings, or watches for this exam.
• **Specific Requirements:** If you use contact lenses, the specialist will ask you to remove them before starting, so we suggest taking your case and liquid, or coming directly with your glasses. During the test, you must rest your chin and forehead on a support of the machine to keep your head still. In some cases, the doctor may apply drops with a yellow dye (fluorescein) or drops to dilate the pupil; if you are going to be dilated, it is highly recommended to be accompanied by an adult and wear sunglasses, as it will not be safe to drive home.
• **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** It is a completely safe and painless procedure. The only main discomfort is that the microscope light is very bright and can dazzle you a bit or make your eyes tear temporarily. If dilating or dye drops are applied, you will feel a slight sting that lasts just a few seconds. After dilation, you will notice sensitivity to light and blurred vision (especially near vision) for several hours.

General instructions for Slit-lamp examination (biomicroscopy)

Your privacy matters to us