What is a refraction and what does it - and doesn't it - tell me? (Posted: apr 2003)

Summary: A refraction is the "Better 1, or better 2?" type test which measures visual acuity. It does not measure vision quality or aberrations which laser eye surgery patients may have.

What is a slit-lamp examination? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: A slit-lamp examination is the standard examination of your eye using a special microscope and shining light into your eye. It can identify problems with the LASIK flap, infections, edema, etc. but not necessarily the causes of visual aberrations after laser eye surgery.

What is a topography? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: A topography is a color map of the cornea produced by a topographer. It can show approximately what the laser actually did in terms of the location and characteristics of the treated area of the cornea.

What is wavefront aberrometry and what might it tell me? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: Wavefront aberrometry measures optical aberrations of the eye. It can indicate causes of vision quality problems that may not be diagnosed with other examinations.

How is a Schirmer's test done? Is it reliable? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: A Schirmer's test is intended to measure aqueous tear production. It is done with a small piece of paper inserted in the eye under the lower lid to measure the tears produced in a set period of time. Its reliability is debateable.

What is a TBUT and what does it tell me? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: A TBUT is a test to see how quickly tears are evaporating. If the score is too low, it indicates a poor lipid layer (unstable tear film).