How To Use An Ophthalmic Microscope

Nowadays ophthalmic microscopes come in different forms and sizes, with varying functions and purposes—usually surgical. Medical advancements in microscopy, and the incorporation of advanced computers into these devices, take medical science engineering next to what we can call “rocket science.” Let us look at some of the common features of an ophthalmic microscope.

Basically, ophthalmic microscopes are composed of the main optic device; a slit lamp for example, is an instrument consisting of a microscope combined with a rectangular light source, used for examination of the cornea, aqueous humor, retina of the eye, etc. –it is sometimes referred to as a biomicroscope; a keratoscope may also be included. Ophthalmic microscopes are marked with lines or circles for used in examining the curvature of the cornea’s meridian. Stereoscopic inverters or stereoscopic observers provide three-dimensional images of the cornea by projecting the image using high resolution prisms at different angles. Usually, an ophthalmic microscope is viewed through binocular eyepieces with adjustable angles for ease. Magnification can range from 4x up to 25x in operations but never usually any higher because the image usually becomes unrecognizable and the instruments may obstruct the view. Illumination is usually brought about by halogen lights mounted close to the optic device. The optic device is then attached to a mounting system wherein it is made up of a base stand and a carrying arm complete with movable joints carrying the main optic device; although in some cases, the arm is mounted onto a wall or a ceiling.