The Slit-Lamp Survey in Entre Ríos, Argentina

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To perform a slit lamp (SL) survey in Entre Rios, Argentine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study was performed by an online questionnaire which was designed to know about SL characteristics (model, brands and year), if doctors takes pictures and if they have problems or some suggestions. The population study were 48 ophthalmologist from “The Entre Rios Association of Ophthalmology” (AEO) and the study take place during three weeks.

RESULTS:From all of the AEO ophthalmologist, 41.6% participate; 90% got SL; 39% just one; 33% got two; 22% got three and 6% got more than three SL. The 50% got knowledge about their SL. Topcon was the most frequent brand followed by Kowa, Bobes, CSO and Shin Nippon. The 35% takes pictures. The years of SL acquisition were between 1990 to 2000 but more than half were between 2000 to 2012 (the rest between 1994-1999). The 74% don’t have problems and 26% yes (low light, contacts problems and the lack of camera incorporated or some system to takes pictures). The 70% don’t think about to change their SL at the next two years.

CONCLUSION: In the SL survey participate almost one half of the AEO ophthalmologist members. The data show that more of the SL were acquired between 2000 to 2012 only 35% of the participants takes pictures with them. Few have manifested problems or think about the possibility of change it in the next two years. If yes, they wants to improved SL with some adaptation to take pictures easily and economically.