Retinal Examination Using A Slit Lamp

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  • kirtondm
    kirtondm Posts: 436 Forumite
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    Just to add

    If it is a big enough tear then you could see without dilation. Any suspeceted tear gets dilated as a peripherial tear will not be visible without dilation.

    The last retinal detatchment I dealt with I did not dilate as I could see it clearly without!

    It would not be advisable to not dilate a px c/o flashers or floaters as you may miss a tear.
  • Mr_Costcutter
    Mr_Costcutter Posts: 391 Forumite
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    Kirtondm,

    Many thanks for your reply - very interesting. A friend recently had the misfortune of being diagnosed with a detached retina - hence my interest in this matter.
  • DomRavioli
    DomRavioli Posts: 3,136 Forumite
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    BucksLady wrote: »
    Some people (like myself) will have found the OP's general question quite interesting. The fact that GlasweJen was able to provide such an informed answer was a bonus. I'm not sure why you felt the necessity to tell the OP what not to do - if he wishes to post on this forum - why shouldn't he. He wasn't asking for medical advice and so did not breach any forum rules.

    Quite simply because I have lost 60% of my vision - and if in any doubt you should see a qualified expert/specialist.

    Perhaps remove the chip off your shoulder - it is for a specialist to answer, and it is usually on a case by case basis (which you obviously know), which renders "general information" pretty useless.
  • kirtondm
    kirtondm Posts: 436 Forumite
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    Interestingly dilation is mandatory in Scotland for all over 60's for routine NHS eyetests.
  • Mr_Costcutter
    Mr_Costcutter Posts: 391 Forumite
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    kirtondm wrote: »
    Interestingly dilation is mandatory in Scotland for all over 60's for routine NHS eyetests.

    I hadn't realised that. However, a friend who lives in the USA reports that he's had dilation since aged 40 and says it's not unusual. He hasn't any eye problem - just specs for reading.
  • BucksLady
    BucksLady Posts: 567 Forumite
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    Mr_Costcutter wrote: »
    I hadn't realised that. However, a friend who lives in the USA reports that he's had dilation since aged 40 and says it's not unusual.

    Can't see that happening on the NHS :).
  • C_Mababejive
    C_Mababejive Posts: 11,654 Forumite
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    edited 22 November 2016 at 9:14AM
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    If you xperience even the slightest hint of loss of vision, usually at the periphery,large amount of floaters or flashing lights in your eyes, more noticeable in ther dark/when eyes closed, get your eyes checked as a matter of urgency. At the very least, attend an optometrist who has in his room an ocular coherence tomography 3d scanner. If you are definitely losing vision, go directly to your nearest eye emergency facility no matter what time of day/night it is.

    I am no expert but i would not rely solely on a slit lamp examination to spot a retinal tear. In any case, full dilation by droplet infusion would be necessary.
    Feudal Britain needs land reform. 70% of the land is "owned" by 1 % of the population and at least 50% is unregistered (inherited by landed gentry). Thats why your slave box costs so much..
  • no1catman
    no1catman Posts: 2,972 Forumite
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    Any opinions on how long 'flashes' should last? My Partner was told at eye medical that could last two-three months, but if any problems with peripheral go straight to A & E.
    Trouble is - it's almost a year now, and there are still occurring - fortunately still no problems with peripheral.
    Does have a Hospital appointment pending - not looking forward to.

    Any informative comments welcome.
    I used to work for Tesco - now retired - speciality Clubcard
  • nedmundo
    nedmundo Posts: 1,160 Forumite
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    C_Mababejive wrote: »
    If you xperience even the slightest hint of loss of vision, usually at the periphery,large amount of floaters or flashing lights in your eyes, more noticeable in ther dark/when eyes closed, get your eyes checked as a matter of urgency. At the very least, attend an optometrist who has in his room an ocular coherence tomography 3d scanner. If you are definitely losing vision, go directly to your nearest eye emergency facility no matter what time of day/night it is.

    I am no expert but i would not rely solely on a slit lamp examination to spot a retinal tear. In any case, full dilution by droplet infusion would be necessary.

    Whilst well meaning, a lot of this is wrong. Irrespective of the amount, any suddon onset floaters need to be checked out, along with any visual disturbance, whether it is peripheral or not.

    Most retinal tears occur in the peripheral retina, whereas OCTs mostly examine the central retina and a slit lamp retinal examination is one of the best ways of viewing the retina - dilating with drops improves the view - regardless of the technique.

    Also - don't just go straight to your local Eye Casualty - most probably won't see you without a referral from a GP or Optician.

    As to the OP - whether drops are required to detect a retinal tear depends on several factors including pupil size, clinician skill and presence of optical opacities such as cataracts. That said, if a retinal break is suspected, then dilating drops are considered essential to detect those retinal breaks that would otherwise be missed.
    Beware the character seeking personal gain masquerading as a moral crusader.
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  • C_Mababejive
    C_Mababejive Posts: 11,654 Forumite
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    edited 22 November 2016 at 9:25AM
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    I think we actually agree Ned..anything of concern needs to be checked out as the consequences of just leaving it are potentially life changing. Whether A&E will see you or not without a referral depends of course on your local facilities. If you live in a major city which has a dedicated eye hospital then they are more likely to have an extended hours emergency eye clinic.

    We dont want A&E clogged up with people with minor issues and this is just a personal comment which some may diasagree with but i wonder at the possibility of some of todays high street optoms missing a vital diagnosis . I much prefer my independent optom.

    I wonder how many practices actually invest in OCT equipment? Is it the few or are they commonplace in high street optometrists?

    I think there needs to be a raising of awareness of naturally occuring conditions such as PVD and the potential complications so that people can recognise any symptoms and get checked out.
    Feudal Britain needs land reform. 70% of the land is "owned" by 1 % of the population and at least 50% is unregistered (inherited by landed gentry). Thats why your slave box costs so much..
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