Slit lamp and DCS diagnosis

Toren · 25th June 2006, 20:10

I remember reading something about detecting bubbles in the eye using a slit lamp and how it was the one of best known ways to confirm DCS. I was discussing this with my optometrist a few months back after I read the article, and he called me last week and said he had a used portable slip lamp he could sell me (relatively) cheap if I was interested, training thrown in for free. He'd been using this unit on his trips to treat poor folks in Guatamala but the clinic he works with down there bought one recently.
I was considering picking it up to add my my emergency kit along with the O2, etc, and possible using it to test willing victims on dive boats to gather some data I could pass along to...someone.
Anyone done any work in this area and could offer advice?

abowie · 25th June 2006, 21:56

Bubbles in the tear film between the lid and the eye surface are present after even fairly trivial non decompression diving.

This is NOT diagnostic of, or indeed helpful in the diagnosis of, DCS. Since this was noticed attempts have been made to see if the number of bubbles is some way related to the amount of nitrogen in the body. As far as I am aware this is as yet still to be determined.

Toren · 26th June 2006, 00:12

Thanks!
I'll skip getting the gear, then. It was hardly "cheap"....

25th June 2006, 20:10	#1 (permalink)
Toren In Rebreather holding pattern... Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SF, CA Posts: 114	Slit lamp and DCS diagnosis I remember reading something about detecting bubbles in the eye using a slit lamp and how it was the one of best known ways to confirm DCS. I was discussing this with my optometrist a few months back after I read the article, and he called me last week and said he had a used portable slip lamp he could sell me (relatively) cheap if I was interested, training thrown in for free. He'd been using this unit on his trips to treat poor folks in Guatamala but the clinic he works with down there bought one recently. I was considering picking it up to add my my emergency kit along with the O2, etc, and possible using it to test willing victims on dive boats to gather some data I could pass along to...someone. Anyone done any work in this area and could offer advice? __________________ ------ "Sh*t does happen, it is our job to keep it a minor annoyance by training, proper gear configuration, emergency skills practice and a survival mindset." --Ron Micjan
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25th June 2006, 21:56	#2 (permalink)
abowie Fighting Girl Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Land of Oz Posts: 573	Re: Slit lamp and DCS diagnosis Bubbles in the tear film between the lid and the eye surface are present after even fairly trivial non decompression diving. This is NOT diagnostic of, or indeed helpful in the diagnosis of, DCS. Since this was noticed attempts have been made to see if the number of bubbles is some way related to the amount of nitrogen in the body. As far as I am aware this is as yet still to be determined. __________________ Andrew Bowie Rebreather-friendly Buddy
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26th June 2006, 00:12	#3 (permalink)
Toren In Rebreather holding pattern... Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SF, CA Posts: 114	Re: Slit lamp and DCS diagnosis Thanks! I'll skip getting the gear, then. It was hardly "cheap".... __________________ ------ "Sh*t does happen, it is our job to keep it a minor annoyance by training, proper gear configuration, emergency skills practice and a survival mindset." --Ron Micjan
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