Your physician will use specialized instrumentation to assess your need for care. 

The slit lamp is a microscope with a light attached that allows the doctor to examine your eye under high magnification. The instrument’s name is derived from its adjustable light beam.  By changing the width of the beam, the doctor can gather important detail about each structure of the eye.

This instrument is primarily used to view the cornea, iris, and lens. Using special lenses, the doctor is able to gain a through exam of the vitreous and macula.

The slit lamp is a vital piece of equipment for the ophthalmology practice.  It has many varied uses other than for examinations.  The slit lamp may also be used for checking intraocular pressure, as well as focusing and directing the laser beams used in photocoagulation.

The indirect ophthalmoscope is an  instrument that allows the  ophthalmologist to gain a wide-field view of the vitreous and retina. The indirect is worn on the physician's head, like a miner's lamp. The light source from the indirect ophthalmoscope is directed into the patient's eye by an adjustable mirror and using by using a magnifying lens, the physician will obtain an image of the retina.  Often the physician will indent or depress the outside of the eyeball to move parts of the far periphery into view through the dilated pupil.

The indirect ophthalmoscope may also be used for laser photocoagulation.  The laser beam may be directed through the ophthalmoscope, onto the pathology requiring treatment.