The Slit Lamp and Sodium Fluorescein: Their Use and Benefits

Abstract

Aims: (i) Gather data from optometrists worldwide on their use of the slit lamp and their use of sodium fluorescein. (ii) To measure the effectiveness of performing slit lamp examination and instillation of sodium fluorescein on every patient attending for an eye examination (iii) To measure the number of clinical signs seen when performing polarised biomicroscopy using a circular polariser filter. Methods: (i) A questionnaire was sent out to optometrists in different parts of the world asking questions concerning the use of the slit lamp and sodium fluorescein. (ii) Ninety-six patients were examined, and all patients had a complete slit-lamp examination, and every patient had sodium fluorescein instilled on their eye. (iii) The same 96 patients' cornea, iris and crystalline lens were examined using a circular polariser filter. Results: (i) The majority of the survey respondents stated that they used the slit lamp on 75% or more of their non-contact lens patients. However, when asked about the use of sodium fluorescein, most respondents stated that they used it on only 25% or less of their patients. (ii) Using the slit lamp on every patient showed clinical signs in between 86%-95% of the patients. Using sodium fluorescein on every patient showed clinical signs in 54% of patients. (iii) Using the circular polariser on every patient enhanced the view of clinical signs in 29% of patients. Conclusions: Whilst the use of the slit lamp is high on non-contact lens wearers, the use of sodium fluorescein is relatively low. Using the slit lamp on all patients attending an eye exam is effective as numerous signs can be seen. The circular polariser filter can be helpful in routine practice but only for those patients who already have clinical signs.

Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Optometry
Aston University (General)
Additional Information: (c) Niall David Farnon, 2020. Niall David Farnon asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this thesis. This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with its author and that no quotation from the thesis and no information derived from it may be published without appropriate permission or acknowledgement. If you have discovered material in Aston Publications Explorer which is unlawful e.g. breaches copyright, (either yours or that of a third party) or any other law, including but not limited to those relating to patent, trademark, confidentiality, data protection, obscenity, defamation, libel, then please read our Takedown Policy and contact the service immediately.
Institution: Aston University
Uncontrolled Keywords: Sodium Fluorescein,Circular Polariser,Survey,University Clinic,Symptoms
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2023 08:58
Date Deposited: 19 Jan 2022 15:27
Completed Date: 2020-09
Authors: Farnon, Niall David

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