Have you ever wondered what’s inside an eye clinic? Some might hesitate to visit an eye specialist because of the fear that eye exams might reveal a vision problem that they don’t even want to hear in the first place. But more often than not, one of the most important senses for people is their vision. And as always, prevention is better than cure. Thus, regular eye check-up is necessary. But it is also important that we understand what doctors perform when we visit their clinics. Let’s go over some of the things that eye specialists or ophthalmologists use.
Retinal Camera. As per the name, this tool pretty much works like a camera for it takes photographs. Usually, when we take photographs, we use our eyes to look at the photo. But this time, it’s the camera that’s taking the picture of our eyes. Specifically, it’s the rear part of the eyes that is targeted by the retinal camera and it’s done by giving off bright flashes to the eyes.
Tonometer. This is probably one of the most common examination tools we can find in every ophthalmologist’s clinic. This machine carries out tests to specifically diagnose the presence of glaucoma in the eyes of a patient. The pressure in the eyes is targeted to be measured by the tonometer. There is the type that requires some drops in the eyes and there are those that don’t need it anymore. It also gauges the transparent watery fluid we sometimes notice in our eyes, the aqueous humor, and how fast it is drained from the eyes.
Snellen Chart. One of the most elementary and the most famous eye examination tool. We sometimes mistake it for an ABC chart, which technically speaking, is not wrong. They might look similar, but this chart shows figures in decreasing size. Depending on the doctor, it can be physical or digital and it is set at a specific distance and height. The goal of the patient is to read the smallest possible letter visible to him.
Phoropter. This tool looks like a robot from the movie “Wall-e” but with several eyes. For this one, the target that is being measured is the refractive error of the eyes. From this, the doctor can prescribe eyeglasses appropriate to the results of the examination. Examples of these errors are far-sightedness and near-sightedness.
Slit Lamp. Have you ever opened up a tiny, yet complex form of machinery, and amazed by what you saw inside? That is actually what the doctor can see from the slit lamp. The structure of the eyes, such as the cornea and iris, can be closely examined by an ophthalmologist with the help of this tool.
Well, some people are hesitant to seek help from a medical professional simply because they are afraid to know what could possibly be wrong with their bodies. Some do not have the financial capabilities to shoulder the expenses of seeing a doctor. Others convince themselves that nothing is wrong with them, or what they feel can be treated with home remedies from the internet. These mindsets common among society today can be considered a root problem as to why people turn to doctors for help only when their health problem becomes worse. However, this should never be the case when it comes to dealing with eye problems.
