Halo Slit Lamp Background Light

A Superior Accessory Light for Slit Lamps
Invented by Clifford Terry, M.D.
Founder of Terry Eye Institute and Research Institute

Halo assists clinicians with visualization of the meibomian glands, acinar cells and tear film. Once you use it, there’s no going back.

Patent-Pending. Fits the majority of slit lamp models.

$1,295
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Bridging the Gap in Ocular Slit Lamp Diagnostics

Traditional slit lamps, originally inspired by Nobel laureate Dr. Allvar Gullstrand, excel at delivering precise optical cross-sections. But why settle for a narrow slit of illumination when full-field visibility is within reach? This is exactly the “gap” we set out to close.

The eye lids are essential to ocular health, yet too often receive insufficient attention during routine eye exams. A rapid, comprehensive,full-field eyelid assessment with Halo helps clinicians see rich structures which are often overlooked. For example, a dysfunctional lacrimal system may manifest as dry eyes, while subtle changes in eyelid anatomy and function can signal local inflammation or other underlying conditions.

Integrating a systematic approach to eyelid evaluation into every comprehensive eye exam is not merely advantageous, it’s fundamental for holistic patient care.

Halo works in conjunction with native slit lamp illumination.

Patent-pending. Installs in less than one-minute on the majority of slit lamp platforms.

Precision Illumination for Advanced Ocular Assessment

The Halo background light harnesses three precision-engineered LEDs, each crafted to highlight critical structures of the eyelid and ocular surface—unlocking a new standard in diagnostic imaging:

💚Green LED – Suppresses vascular interference while amplifying contrast in acinar zones, delivering sharp, micro-detailed visualization of meibomian glands and adjacent tissues.

💙Blue LED – Enhances fluorescein uptake across the full ocular field, providing unmatched clarity in analyzing tear film behavior and punctate staining patterns from canthus to canthus.

🤍White LED – Illuminates the meibomian glands lid margins, lashes, and gland orifices with crisp, full-field definition.

Halo: Redefining Slit Lamp Visualization

Halo facilitates early assessment of both ocular and systemic conditions, including Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD). In our comparative study of established infrared (IR) slit lamp lighting and green ‘red-free’ meibography, we uncovered distinct advantages. While IR meibography visualizes central gland tubes, Halo’s specialized LEDs go further. By enhancing the visualization of micro acinar spaces, blood vasculature, tear film, as well as central gland tubes, clinicians may better assess the complete lacrimal system. This expanded, proactive approach can lead to significantly improved clinical outcomes.

Please click the videos to watch Halo in action.


Tips for using the Halo Background Light

By Clifford Terry, M.D.

My routine exam uses native slit lamp illumination in conjunction with halo for enhanced external views. Its white lllumination helps to reveal fine detail of lids, lashes, sclera, and cornea without the harshness of an opened slit beam. I use the red-free green light for quick and reliable meibomian gland assessment. The blue light is a wide-field fluorescein exciter which provides unmatched clarity of epithelial changes while capturing tear film coating and movement in real time.

With standardized illumination designed for documentation and AI interpretation, the Halo Light redefines the slit lamp as a modern ophthalmic biomicroscope.

Meibography

    • The lower lid needs to be on a flat plane.
    • To obtain more detail, you’ll need to increase magnification.
    • Glands with tubes and acinar structures are approximately 1mm in size, or 0.1 to 0.5mm if diminished.
    • Change the angle of light to enhance focus.
    • Look for missing meibomian glands, bloated glands and degeneration or overgrowth of acinar cells, especially in areas which causes symptoms & signs of fluorescein stain on the cornea or lissamine green stain on the conjunctiva.
    • Examine if the acinar spaces bulge out; this may indicate impaction or oppositely reduced acinar structures.
    • View for tortuosity or twisting of the glands.
    • Look for reduced blood vessels or devitalized meibomian structures.
    • Function Test: If a gland is abnormal, have your patient squeeze lids to see if normal particles are released into the tear film.

Tear Film

    • Examine the precorneal tear film for microspheres and debris.
    • Look for mucus in the tear film and stripes in the upper meibomian glands.
    • Examine the punctate stain for non-coating.
    • See if the mechanical closures are incomplete.
    • Look for windshield washer type streaks in the tear film.

Is there a learning curve?

Clinicians can expect to experience noticeably enhanced visualization of the lids, lashes, and meibomian glands from the very first use — the improvement is both immediate and significant.

When examining the meibomian glands, clinicians will observe greater detail as they become more adept at positioning the lower lid. For optimal visualization, the lid should be aligned on a flat plane. With continued hands-on experience, adjusting magnification, light intensity, and illumination angles will further refine technique and improve the ability to visualize surrounding structures such as acinar spaces and vasculature.

Halo: Stand-alone usage or in conjunction with ocular photography

When used with a slit lamp camera for ocular photography, clinicians can now share their findings with patients.

For a complete listing of ocular photography codes that support medical necessity, click to view CMS Billing and Coding – External A570068.

The reimbursement information is based on publicly available information from CMS, AAO, and the AMA. It is recommended that healthcare providers review federal and state laws, regulations, and CPT codes as provided by Medicare and other payers.

Do you have questions or need assistance?

📞 Call 614-754-7175
✉️ info@ibexeye.com