Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Type of vision in which seeing at far is blurry, although near vision.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Type of vision in which seeing at near is strained. Distance vision is often clear.

Astigmatism
Distorted or blurred focus caused by irregular shape of cornea or lens.

Presbyopia
A reduction of near focusing ability usually beginning in the late 30's or 40's.

Amblyopia
Condition in which one eye cannot see 20/20 even with the best correction.

Eye Teaming (Binocularity)
Process in which both eyes work together to form one image in the brain.

Cataracts
A cloudiness of the crystalline lens of the eye resulting in reduced vision.

Glaucoma
A condition leading to blindness caused by a painless increase of pressure within the eye.

Diabetes & High Blood Pressure
Medical conditions which may lead to blindness by damaged blood vessels in the eye.
 

The slit lamp, or biomicroscope, is a tabletop microscope that uses an adjustable beam of light to provide concentrated illumination and magnification of various parts of the eye. The light beam may be adjusted both as to width of the slit of light and the height of the slit -- thus the term, "slit lamp." This microscope magnifies the structure of the eye some 6 to 40 times, and the eye doctor uses it to detect and evaluate any abnormalities in the structures of the eye.
Comprehensive eye examinations comprise an evaluation of the physiologic function and anatomic status of the eye, visual system and its related structures, and always include a slit lamp examination.