The van Herick test is a quick slit-lamp screening method used to estimate how “open” the drainage angle of the eye may be. It compares the depth of the peripheral anterior chamber (the fluid-filled space near the cornea) to the thickness of the cornea. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology exams, especially when assessing risk for narrow angles and angle-closure glaucoma. It does not diagnose glaucoma by itself, but it can help decide if further testing is needed.

Shaffer grading is a clinical scale used to describe how open or narrow the eye’s drainage angle is. It is most commonly recorded during gonioscopy, an exam where a clinician views the angle using a special contact lens and microscope. The grading helps summarize a key glaucoma-related finding in a standardized way. In plain terms, it estimates how much “space” exists where eye fluid drains.

gonioscopy is an eye exam technique used to look at the drainage angle inside the front of the eye. It helps clinicians assess how fluid exits the eye and whether the angle is open, narrow, or blocked. It is commonly used in glaucoma evaluation and in patients at risk for angle-closure. It is performed in ophthalmology and optometry clinics, typically at a slit lamp.

scleral depression is a clinical technique used during an eye exam to better see the far edges of the retina. A clinician gently presses on the outside of the eye (through the eyelid or conjunctiva) while looking inside with special viewing tools. It is most commonly used with a dilated exam to evaluate the peripheral retina for tears, holes, or detachment. It can be done in clinic and also during some retinal surgeries.

indirect ophthalmoscopy is an eye examination technique used to view the inside back portion of the eye, especially the retina. It uses a bright light and a handheld lens to create a wide view of retinal tissue. It is commonly used by ophthalmologists and optometrists in clinics, emergency settings, and during surgical care. It helps clinicians evaluate conditions that can affect vision and overall eye health.

direct ophthalmoscopy is an eye examination method that lets a clinician look at the back of the eye through the pupil. It uses a handheld instrument called a direct ophthalmoscope with a light and focusing lenses. It is commonly used in eye clinics, primary care, emergency settings, and bedside examinations. It provides an immediate, magnified view of key retinal structures.

ophthalmoscopy is an eye examination method used to look at the inside of the eye through the pupil. It helps clinicians assess the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye. It is commonly used in routine eye exams and in urgent evaluations of vision symptoms. It is a diagnostic exam, not a treatment.

fundoscopy is an eye examination that lets a clinician view the inside back surface of the eye. It is used to assess the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. It is commonly performed in optometry and ophthalmology clinics, and sometimes in general medical settings. It helps connect eye symptoms and systemic health conditions to visible changes in the eye.

A dilated fundus examination (DFE) is an eye exam that uses pupil-dilating drops so the clinician can see more of the inside of the eye. It focuses on the “fundus,” meaning the retina, optic nerve head, and retinal blood vessels at the back of the eye. DFE is commonly performed in optometry and ophthalmology clinics during routine eye health checks and when symptoms suggest retinal or optic nerve disease. It is a diagnostic examination, not a treatment.

A lens exam is the part of an eye evaluation that focuses on the eye’s internal lens (the crystalline lens) and, when present, an intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery. It checks whether the lens is clear, centered, and functioning normally. It is commonly performed by optometrists and ophthalmologists during routine eye exams and cataract evaluations. It is also used when symptoms suggest lens changes, such as glare, halos, or blurred vision.

An anterior chamber exam is an eye evaluation focused on the fluid-filled space between the cornea and the iris. It helps clinicians assess the front part of the eye for inflammation, bleeding, and angle-related glaucoma risk. It is commonly performed during a routine eye exam, urgent visits for red or painful eyes, and pre‑operative assessments. It is usually done with a slit lamp microscope and may be paired with additional tests when needed.

A corneal exam is an assessment of the cornea, the clear front “window” of the eye. It checks corneal clarity, shape, surface integrity, and overall health. It is commonly performed in optometry and ophthalmology clinics during routine eye exams and urgent visits. It helps clinicians evaluate symptoms such as pain, redness, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.

A conjunctival exam is an assessment of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue covering the white of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids. It is commonly performed during routine eye exams and urgent visits for red eye, irritation, discharge, or injury. Clinicians use it to look for inflammation, infection, dryness, allergy changes, and surface damage. It is typically done with a light source and often with a slit-lamp microscope in eye clinics.

An eyelid exam is a clinical assessment of the eyelids and nearby structures around the eye. It looks at how the lids are built, how they move, and how the lid margins interact with the tear film and cornea. It is commonly included in routine eye exams and in visits for red eye, irritation, eyelid swelling, or eyelid droop. It is also used before and after many eye surgeries and contact lens fittings.

An external exam is the part of an eye evaluation that focuses on the outside of the eyes and surrounding facial structures. It typically includes looking at the eyelids, lashes, tear system, conjunctiva, sclera, and the alignment and movement of the eyes. It is commonly performed in routine eye checks, urgent visits for red eye or irritation, and trauma or infection evaluations. The goal is to quickly identify visible problems and guide what tests are needed next.

biomicroscopy is a close-up eye examination method that uses magnification and a focused beam of light. It is most commonly performed with a slit lamp in optometry and ophthalmology clinics. It helps clinicians view the front and, with special lenses, the back of the eye in detail. It is used for routine eye exams and for evaluating eye symptoms and eye disease.

A slit-lamp examination is a detailed eye exam done with a special microscope and a bright, narrow beam of light. It lets clinicians view the front parts of the eye in high detail and, with special lenses, the back of the eye as well. It is commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology clinics during routine eye checks and problem-focused visits. It helps document findings and guide next diagnostic steps.

social history is the part of a health history that describes a person’s daily life, habits, and environment. It helps clinicians understand exposures and behaviors that can affect eye health and vision. It is commonly used in ophthalmology, optometry, primary care, and preoperative evaluations.

family history is a record of health conditions and relevant traits that occur in a person’s biological relatives. In eye care, it helps clinicians understand inherited risk for certain eye diseases and vision problems. It is commonly collected during routine eye exams, specialty visits, and pre-surgical evaluations. It can include eye-specific conditions as well as systemic diseases that affect the eyes.

allergies are immune reactions to usually harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. In eye care, allergies commonly refer to allergic conditions that affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, and tear film. They are frequently discussed in clinics because they can mimic dry eye and other causes of redness or irritation. allergies can also describe medication, contact lens, or environmental triggers that worsen ocular symptoms.