The spatulated glass rod: low-tech instrument for high-impact ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment.

PURPOSE: To describe the utility of the Spatulated Glass Rod (SGR), which is a low-tech but diagnostically and therapeutically high-impact instrument used in Ophthalmology for at least twelve clinical and surgical tasks.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted, examining the use of the glass rod both historically and in its applications in Ophthalmology. The MEDLINE database was searched for the terms 'double eversion of upper eyelid', 'retained contact lens", 'spatulated glass rod' and 'spatulated glass rod in ophthalmology'.

RESULTS

Detailed descriptions are provided of the specific use of the SGR in twelve disorders, but particularly in the emergent management of acute angle closure using corneal indentation, and inspection of the upper fornix for elusive foreign bodies by double eversion of the upper lid. The authors' Head Stabilisation Technique (HST) is also described as this facilitates safe head stabilisation by a novice assistant during the real-time application of the SGR.

CONCLUSION

The SGR has proven to be an extremely useful instrument, with at least twelve different applications in both diagnostic and therapeutic contexts in Ophthalmology. Safe and effective use of the SGR is supported by the HST.