Which tool is commonly used to assess the anterior chamber of the eye?

The slit lamp is a vital instrument in the examination of the anterior chamber of the eye. It allows the clinician to observe the anterior structures, including the cornea, iris, and lens, in great detail. The slit lamp uses a high-intensity light source that can be focused to create a slit beam of light, illuminating the tissues and allowing for a three-dimensional view of the eye. This capability is essential for detecting any abnormalities or conditions affecting the anterior segment, such as cataracts, corneal problems, and signs of glaucoma.

While the other tools mentioned have their specific uses in optometry, they are not primarily designed for assessing the anterior chamber in the same comprehensive manner. Optical coherence tomography is more suited for imaging retina and optic nerve conditions, a pachymeter is used mainly for measuring corneal thickness, and a retinoscope is utilized for determining refractive error. Thus, the slit lamp stands out as the most appropriate and commonly used tool for this purpose.