Ophthalmology - the study of diseases of the eye.
The eye is a complex organ that requires specialized expertise.
The eye is a complex and exciting organ that, when diseased, often requires personnel with additional expertise in ophthalmology as well as advanced equipment. The eye is made up of several layers: an outer protective layer (cornea and sclera), a middle layer that is responsible for the supply of nutrients and the removal of waste products, and finally the innermost layer with the optic nerve.
Using various techniques and instruments, all of these layers will be assessed both from the outside and by looking in through the pupil.
Table of contents
When should you have your eyes examined?
Often a visit to an eye specialist or an ophthalmologist is made because the owner has registered signs of illness. Typical symptoms the owner notices are: damage to the cornea, tearing, tearing and color change. In addition to illness, eye examinations are also routinely performed throughout the animal's life and in connection with breeding. For some breeds, an "eye examination certificate" is required, where the veterinarian confirms the absence of symptoms of hereditary diseases. If you want a routine check, we recommend an eye examination by an ophthalmologist at 1, 3 and 7 years of age.
Below is an overview and description of typical examinations that are performed. In addition to the specific eye examinations mentioned below, ultrasound, MRI and other imaging tests can be used if necessary. An eye examination is not painful unless the eye is injured. In that case, it may be painful to shine a light on the eye.
Conversation with owner and visual inspection
Initially, the veterinarian talks to the owner about what the visit is about. What is the main problem, when did the problem start, has the animal had the same or a similar problem before, or has there been an incident, etc. While talking to the owner, the animal is observed from a distance. Mental status, orientation, blinking and squinting are important information. Then, some tests may be done to check reflexes. These are not described in this text.
Schirmer's tear test
The Schirmer tear test is used to assess tear fluid production. It is a simple test where a paper strip with a millimeter scale is placed between the ciliary membrane and the eyelid. The strip is impregnated with a blue dye at the bottom. This creeps up the strip along with the tear fluid and makes it easier to read the result. The Schirmer test is usually one of the first tests performed during an eye examination and must be done before applying eye drops or similar.
Results
Tonometry
Tonometry is a method used to measure the pressure inside the eye using a tonometer. Eye pressure is an important indicator of eye health, especially in the context of glaucoma, where elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve. Pressure that is too high or too low can also be a symptom of other eye conditions. When performing tonometry, positioning and handling of the instrument are crucial to obtaining accurate measurements. Some tonometers require touching the surface of the eye, while others measure pressure without direct contact.
Fluorescein
Fluorescein testing is a diagnostic method that uses a special dye to detect wounds or damage to the cornea. When fluorescein is applied to the eye, it sticks to damaged tissue and lights up when illuminated with blue light. This makes it easier to identify wounds, tears, or foreign bodies on the cornea and is especially useful in cases of injury or infection. The method is quick and painless and is often used when there is suspicion of damage to the surface of the eye.
Slit lamp
A slit lamp is an advanced optical instrument that functions as a mobile microscope for detailed examinations of the outer and inner parts of the eye. The slit lamp allows the eyelid, cornea, and parts of the eye's internal structures such as the iris and lens to be seen in detail. The strong light source combined with the microscope makes it possible to examine small structures and detect any damage or disease. The use of the slit lamp requires special training and a lot of practice is necessary to master the technique.
Ophthalmoscope
An ophthalmoscope is an instrument designed to examine the retina and other structures at the back of the eye. There are different types of ophthalmoscopes, including direct and indirect varieties. Often, the veterinarian will use a head lamp along with a magnifying glass in front of the eye being examined, which provides a detailed image of the retina. This examination can reveal signs of diseases such as retinal detachment, tumors, or diabetes-related changes.