What type of instrument is a slit lamp?

A slit lamp is a specialized instrument that combines a high-intensity light source with a microscope. This design allows for a detailed examination of the anterior segment of the eye, including the cornea, lens, and iris, as well as the surrounding tissues. The slit of light can be adjusted to various widths and angles, enabling healthcare professionals to observe the structures of the eye in great detail and diagnose conditions like cataracts, corneal abrasions, and other ocular diseases.

The other options do not accurately describe the functionality of a slit lamp. While a handheld device may be useful in certain scenarios, it does not provide the in-depth analysis that a slit lamp offers. Measuring eye pressure is typically performed with a tonometer, and testing color vision involves different tools such as Ishihara plates or other color vision tests. Therefore, the description of a microscope with a bright light is most precise in defining what a slit lamp does and how it is used in optometric practice.