Category: Ophthalmology devices and equipment
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Description and Uses
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique used in eye care to produce high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). It works using light waves, similar to how ultrasound uses sound waves, to capture detailed images of the different layers of the retina. The test…
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Jaeger Chart: Description and Uses
A Jaeger chart is a small eye chart used to test near vision, that is, how clearly a person can see objects up close. Unlike the distance chart used across the room, this chart is held at a reading distance (usually about 35-40cm). The chart contains paragraphs of text printed in different sizes, labeled as…
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Gonioscope: Description and Uses
A gonioscope is a specialized ophthalmic instrument used to examine the anterior chamber angle of the eye, the area between the cornea and the iris where fluid (aqueous humor) drains out. This part of the eye cannot be seen directly with a regular examination because of the way light reflects inside the cornea. The gonioscope…
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Autorefractor: Description and Uses
An autorefractor is a computerized ophthalmic instrument used to measure refractive errors of the eye automatically. It determines how light changes as it enters the eye, helping to estimate a person’s eyeglass or contact lens prescription. During the test, the patient looks into the machine at a target image while the device shines light into…
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Phoropter Description and Uses
A phoropter is an ophthalmic instrument used to determine a person’s exact eyeglass or contact lens prescription. It is the device with multiple lenses that an eye doctor places in front of a patient’s eyes during an eye exam, asking questions like “Which is clearer, lens 1 or lens 2?” The phoropter contains a series…
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Keratometer: Description and Uses
A keratometer (also called an ophthalmometer) is an instrument used to measure the curvature of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It works by projecting light onto the cornea and analyzing the reflection (called mires) to determine how steep or flat the corneal surface is. The patient places their…
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Mobile Applications for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Seeing AI: Description and Uses Seeing AI is a free mobile application developed by Microsoft to assist blind and visually impaired individuals. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to describe the world around the user through the phone’s camera. The app converts visual information into speech or audio descriptions, helping users understand text, objects, people, and…
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Ophthalmoscope: Description and Uses
An ophthalmoscope is a handheld medical instrument used to examine the inside of the eye, especially the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. It consists of a light source, a mirror or prism system, and lenses that allow the examiner to look through the pupil and see internal eye structures. During the examination, the room…
SafeFuture Foundation for the blind 