The Slit Lamp and Sodium Fluorescein: Their Use and Benefits

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