Skiascopy is a technique that helps to check the functional state of the eye. This study is based on the ability of the organ of vision to refract light rays, which is called refractoriness. The cornea and lens are responsible for this process. If you perform skiascopy, you can determine whether the patient is simulating a disease or not. The procedure is carried out both in children and adults, it is also recommended for patients with mental disabilities, when it is impossible to determine visual acuity by other methods. Skiascopy is also called shadow test, keratoscopy and retinoscopy.
What is skiascopy?
Skiascopy is a study that helps to establish the ability of the pupil to refract light. Cunier is considered the pioneer of this technique, it has been known since about 1873. Literally, the name of this method is translated as "to consider the shadow." During the examination, the specialist usesskiascope, which is presented in the form of a mirror with a handle and two surfaces - flat and convex. Be sure to install a light source at eye level on the side of the patient, and beams of light are directed to the pupil, resulting in a light spot. In the center of the device there is a hole through which the patient observes the shadow, constantly moving the pupil around the axis. The direction of movement of the light spot will depend on the mirror used, the refraction of the patient and the distance.
Answering the question, skiascopy - what is it, consider what distance is recommended for the procedure. During the examination, the distance between the patient and the specialist should be at least half a meter. To obtain accurate results of the study, it is recommended to use cycloplegia. Only a specialist can determine the degree of the disease with the help of skiascopic rulers.
What are the indications for skiascopy?
This method of eye examination is recommended for patients with visual impairments that were identified earlier during the examination. Also, do not exclude skiascopy in such cases as:
- Myopia is a defect that is accompanied by a violation of the refraction of the eye. It occurs as a result of many provoking factors, accompanied by severe symptoms. Is a progressive disease.
- Far-sightedness is a pathological condition that is considered a common problem. It is diagnosed in different age groups. Occurs in manycauses, accompanied by severe symptoms. Treatable, contact lenses may be used for vision.
- Astigmatism or combined disorders. This disease must be treated in order to avoid all possible complications. Often diagnosed in childhood. The causes of occurrence have not been fully established. Accompanied by severe symptoms, treated and corrected with special lenses.
Skiascopy - what is it? This is a research method that, in parallel with the primary diagnosis, helps to control the rate of development of pathologies and diseases, as well as to track how effective the prescribed treatment is.
Skiascopy is an informative diagnostic method that helps to detect diseases and visual impairments in both adults and children. The bases of the method are objective data that help to get the right results. It is worth remembering that this type of research is carried out exclusively in medical institutions, including children's ophthalmological centers.
Why else is skiascopy prescribed?
Skiascopy is also recommended to determine visual dysfunctions that have not been previously identified. If the patient has been diagnosed with astigmatism, then in addition to this study, additional examinations are recommended to help prescribe the most effective treatment.
Also, very often, the technique is prescribed for those patients who simulate diseases and impaired functionality of the organs of vision. As for the instrumental study, it is recommended more for the children's age group and patients with mental disabilities.
So, now it becomes clearer what it is - skiascopy. This is a study that is not conducted in an alcoholic or drug state. Also, the procedure is not recommended for patients with mental disorders that can be dangerous to others. In any case, skiascopic rulers,are always used during the examination to help make the correct diagnosis.
Advantages of the technique
Skiascopy is a common method for detecting visual impairment. This study has a number of positive points, such as:
- The economic side. The study does not require expensive equipment, so the procedure does not apply to costly methods of examination and diagnosis.
- Increased accuracy of results. The correctness of the diagnosis, as well as the prescribed treatment, will depend on this indicator. An important place during the examination is occupied by the professionalism of the specialist, which is worth paying attention to.
- Painless. During the procedure, the patient does not feel any discomfort. A very important point, especially when examining children.
- Simplicity. During the procedure, the patient is only required to sit still and follow all the requirements of the specialist.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that skiascopy is simple andan effective method that helps to identify various diseases and visual impairments with minimal time and cost.
Are there any contraindications?
Skiascopy - what is it? This examination, which has not only positive aspects, but also has contraindications, which must be taken into account when prescribing the procedure. Skiascopy is not recommended for a patient if:
- Mental illnesses with objective unbalanced behavior are diagnosed. In this state, the patient during the examination is able to harm not only himself, but also others.
- The state of drug or alcohol intoxication. In such a situation, the specialist will not be able to make an accurate diagnosis, as the condition of the eye will be impaired.
- Patient has photophobia.
- The patient is suffering from an allergic reaction to Atropine or Cyclodol.
- Age category of the child does not exceed seven years.
- There is an eye disease - glaucoma or suspicion of it.
If the specialist ignored the above contraindications for the procedure, then the results of the study will be inaccurate and the prescribed treatment will be ineffective, it may even harm the condition or aggravate the situation.
How is skiascopy performed?
Skiascopy refers to an instrumental method of examining the eye, which is carried out in several stages. To obtain reliable results, it is necessary to adhere to the implementation of allitems:
- Cyclodol or Atropine, a short-term remedy, is instilled into the patient's eye. These drugs can cause paralysis of the ciliary muscle, that is, cycloplegia.
- The patient is brought into a darkened room and sat on a chair. Opposite is a specialist, the distance between them should be at least 50 cm. Then a beam of light is directed into the patient's eye.
- With the help of a skiascope, the doctor monitors the reaction of the patient's eye.
- To track the reflexes, the specialist uses a two-way mirror, with which he directs a beam of light. It is recommended to slowly rotate the tool around the axis to see how the shadow moves.
- Then skiascopic rulers with positive and negative lenses are used. The size of the lens used helps determine the degree of refractive error in the eye.
This procedure, carried out correctly, helps to identify violations and successfully correct them with the help of special optical devices - lenses or glasses. They are considered quite effective in correcting refractive errors. Skiascopy is carried out in the same way, regardless of the age of the patient and the medical institution, whether it is a children's ophthalmological center or a city hospital.
Methods for determining refraction
Techniques for determining refraction may depend on the type of lens used during the examination of the patient's eyes. To determine the degree of astigmatism, the patient is recommended to undergo a cylindroskiascopy, during which a test is put on.spectacle frame and various lenses are placed in the sockets - spherical and astigmatic. They help create shadow neutralization at the same time.
Also, the patient may be prescribed such a type of examination as bar-skiascopy, during which special devices are used. They help form a light source in the form of a strip. Schoolchildren often undergo striped skiascopy, as it has increased accuracy and reliability.
Determine the type of study needed by the patient, can only be a specialist after a preliminary examination of the organs of vision and familiarization with the symptoms. Do not engage in self-diagnosis and therapy, as this can lead to negative consequences and deterioration of the general condition.
What should I pay attention to?
When conducting this type of eye examination and making a diagnosis, the specialist must pay attention to important points. If you ignore these nuances, then such a negligent attitude can lead to negative consequences and complications from the visual function. So what should you pay attention to?
- The ruler on which the lenses are located should be in a vertical position and at a distance of 1.2 cm from the top of the convex part of the eyeball. If everything is done correctly, the result will be reliable.
- After using the drug, the patient should look at the hole, which is located in the mirror. With accommodation maintained, the patient will look past the doctor's face.
- If the shadow on the patient's eye whenexamination at a distance of more than 1 m is absent, then myopia is diagnosed - 1.0 diopters.
- Examination results vary by speculum used.
- Shadow testing must be carried out in a darkened room.
It must be remembered that if the shadow is unstable, then this indicates a lack of cycloplegia.
Device for skiascopy
During the procedure, special skiascopic rulers are used. The kit necessarily includes frames with negative and positive lenses, which have different diopters. The rulers have optical glasses, an engine with additional lenses is also used, with an optical power from 0.5 to 10 diopters.
The set is stored in a special case, closed, to prevent metal corrosion. It is recommended to treat the surface of the device occasionally with a napkin. After the examination, the handle must be treated with hydrogen peroxide, and the device must be completely disinfected every 7-10 days.
Skiascopy is a study that helps to identify and eliminate many disorders of visual function. It is considered a truthful and effective method, distinguished by its availability and painlessness. Based on the results obtained, treatment is prescribed and it is recommended to use contact lenses for vision. Widely used in all medical institutions.
