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. 2024 May 1;72(5):741-744.
doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_1589_23. Epub 2024 Jan 8.

The Slitscope

Prithvi Chandrakanth  1 , John Davis Akkara  2 , Saloni M Joshi  3 , Hirika Gosalia  3 , K S Chandrakanth  4 , V Narendran  1
Affiliations

The Slitscope

Prithvi Chandrakanth et al. Indian J Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Slit lamp biomicroscope is the right hand of an Ophthalmologist. Even though precise, its bulky design and complex working process are limiting constraints, making it difficult for screening at outreach camps, which are an integral part of this field for the purpose of eliminating needless blindness. The torchlight is the main tool used for screening. Recently, the integration of smartphones with instruments and the digitization of slit lamp has been explored, to provide simple and easy hacks. By bringing the slit of the slit lamp to traditional torchlight, we have created "The Slitscope". It combines the best of both worlds as a simple innovative do-it-yourself novel technique for precise cataract screening. It is especially useful in peripheral centers, vision centers, and outreach camps. We present two prototypes which can also be 3D printed.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Prototype 1 i. 3 plastic containers (Medical Sample Bottle, ii. Battery (9V), iii. Battery connector, iv. 9V white LED light, v. black chart paper for slit, vi. Tape, vii. 78D lens, viii. On/Off switch. (b) Schematic diagram of prototype 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Illumination, 78D lens, and slit parts of the device. (b) Slit illumination device assembled. (c) Device projecting a slit of light on a flat surface. (d) Device projecting a slit of light onto an eye
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Prototype 2 i. Black chart paper, ii. Moonlight torch, iii. Scalpel, iv. Plastic ruler, v. Paper puncher vi. Liquid adhesive, vii. 20D Intraocular lens, viii. Black tape, ix . PVC pipe. (b) Schematic diagram of prototype 2
Figure 4
Figure 4
(a) Black chart paper with the required size slit is stuck to the moonlight torch, (b). 4 × 1.5 cm black chart paper with a hole and IOL glued to it, (c) chart paper with IOL glued to the PVC pipe. (d) Fixing the PVC pipe to the moonlight torch, (e) Design of the 3D printed Slitscope, (f) Slit end of the Slitscope, (g) IOL end of the Slitscope, (h) 3D printed the final Slitscope adapter on the torch
Figure 5
Figure 5
(a) First slit image taken with Prototype 2, (b) Sutural cataract, (c) Blue Dot cataract, (d) Multifocal IOL, (e) Nuclear sclerosis grade I with Pseudoexfoliation, (f) Nuclear sclerosis grade II, (g) Nuclear sclerosis grade III, (h) Mature cataract
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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