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Alternative names
Funduscopy
Definition
Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eyeball (fundus), which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels.
How the test is performed
Direct ophthalmoscopy: You will be seated in a darkened room. The examiner performs this common examination by projecting a beam of light from an ophthalmoscope, through the pupil, to view the back of the eyeball. An ophthalmoscope is an instrument about the size of a flashlight, with a light source and a disk of rotating lenses.
The magnification obtained by using the direct ophthalmoscope occurs because the eye itself is a simple magnifier. The rotating lenses incorporated in the instrument are used to correct the focusing error of the examiner or the patient being examined.
How to prepare for the test
Direct ophthalmoscopy can be performed without dilation of the pupil, so no special preparations are required.
How the test will feel
As the scope is focused, a clicking sound will be heard. The bright light shone into the eyeball may cause brief after-images to be seen.
Why the test is performed
Ophthalmoscopy is performed as part of a routine physical or complete eye examination. It is used to detect and evaluate symptoms of retinal detachment or eye disease such as glaucoma. Ophthalmoscopy is also performed if diabetes, hypertension, or other vascular disease is suspected.
Normal Values
The retina, blood vessels, and the optic disc should appear normal to the examiner.
What abnormal results mean
The exam can reveal eye diseases, such as cloudy vitreous, detached retina, optic nerve problems, macular degeneration, and changes caused by glaucoma. High blood pressure and many systemic diseases can also be detected.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
- CMV retinitis
- Diabetes
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Melanoma of the eye
- Optic neuritis
- Retinal detachment
What the risks are
The test involves no risk.
Special considerations
Since it can detect the initial stages and early effects of many serious diseases, ophthalmoscopy is a most valuable test. It is considered to be 90-95% accurate. In addition to specific eye diseases, ophthalmoscopy can detect heart and blood vessel diseases (particularly high blood pressure), brain disease, and diabetes. |
