The ML5S1 portable slit lamp is a battery-powered, binocular hand-held slit lamp microscope for examining the ocular surface and anterior segment wherever a tabletop slit lamp is impractical. It combines 10× and 16× crossed-stereo optics, a continuously adjustable 0–10 mm slit, four illumination filters and a high-brightness white LED in a unit of about 750 g.
Portable Slit Lamp Examination Without a Table
Conventional slit lamps need a table, a chinrest and a seated patient. The ML5S1 brings slit-lamp observation to the patient instead: the examiner holds the instrument by its handle, rests the spring-loaded forehead support against the patient’s forehead and moves the lamp forward or back to focus. This makes it practical for bedside and ward rounds, emergency rooms, home visits, outreach screening and patients who cannot sit at a conventional slit lamp.
Binocular Optics and Slit Illumination
The binocular crossed-stereo microscope uses a 1× objective with interchangeable 10× and 16× eyepieces, giving total magnifications of 10× and 16×. Diopter compensation of ±5 D and pupil-distance adjustment from 49 to 73 mm let each examiner set up a comfortable binocular view, and the working distance is 80 mm.
The slit width is continuously adjustable from 0 to 10 mm, spot diameters of 0.5, 3, 5 and 10 mm are available, and the illumination can be swung horizontally by ±30° for oblique observation. The white LED source delivers at least 2,500 lx at the slit spot with low power consumption and little heat.
Filters for Anterior-Segment Assessment
A rotating filter selector provides heat-absorption, red-free, cobalt-blue and grey filters. Cobalt-blue illumination is used with fluorescein for corneal and tear-film assessment, red-free light improves the contrast of vessels and hemorrhages, and the grey filter reduces brightness for patient comfort.
Battery Operation and Charging
The ML5S1 runs on a rechargeable 7.4 V 750 mAh lithium-ion battery pack, and two packs are supplied so one can charge while the other is in use. A full charge takes about two hours and provides roughly 5–6 hours of working time. An indicator lamp blinks when the battery is low; remove the battery when the instrument will not be used for a long period.
How to Use the ML5S1
- Set the diopters. Use the diopter scale, or attach the diopter adjustment bar and focus each eyepiece on it.
- Adjust the pupil distance. Rotate the binocular barrels until both eyes see a single image.
- Switch on and set the brightness. Turn on the illumination and adjust the brightness control.
- Position and focus. Rest the forehead support on the patient’s forehead and move the lamp forward or backward to focus on the area of interest.
- Shape the beam. Turn the slit ring to set the slit width, select a spot size and swing the illumination up to ±30°.
- Choose a filter and magnification. Rotate the filter selector as required and change between the 10× and 16× eyepieces.
ML5S1 or PSL-4961: Which Portable Slit Lamp?
Both are hand-held slit lamps, but they serve different workflows. The ML5S1 is an optical binocular instrument: the examiner looks through stereo eyepieces, and an optional smartphone adapter can be used for simple documentation. The PSL-4961 digital hand-held slit lamp is built around image capture, with an integrated display, 16 MP imaging and wireless transfer. Choose the ML5S1 for stereo viewing and robust everyday portability, and the PSL-4961 when digital records are the priority. For a full tabletop system, see the ML-350 slit lamp microscope.
Care and Storage
Clean the eyepieces and objective cover glass with lens paper or a soft cloth, using a little alcohol only for fingerprints or grease, and check the illumination mirror for dust or cracks. Store the instrument in its carrying case in a dry, dust-free place away from direct sunlight; the operating range is 10–40 °C at 30–75 % relative humidity.
ML5S1 Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification does the ML5S1 offer?
Total magnifications of 10× and 16×, selected by changing the supplied eyepieces.
Which filters are included?
Heat-absorption, red-free, cobalt-blue and grey filters on a rotating selector.
How long does the battery last?
About 5–6 hours of working time per charge, with a charging time of about two hours. Two lithium-ion battery packs are supplied.
Can the ML5S1 take photos?
The ML5S1 is an optical slit lamp. Simple documentation is possible with an optional smartphone adapter; for integrated digital imaging, consider the PSL-4961.
What is included in the standard package?
The slit lamp with 10× eyepieces, a pair of 16× eyepieces, a diopter adjustment bar, a forehead rest, two lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a carrying case and the user manual. Confirm the final configuration in the quotation.
Request an ML5S1 Quotation
Contact ENOCHTEC for current configuration details, smartphone-adapter availability, lead time and a quotation for the ML5S1 portable hand-held slit lamp microscope.