Ophthalmoscopy
Alternative names:
funduscopy
How the test is performed:
Direct Ophthalmoscopy: You will be seated in a darkened room, and the examiner performs this common examination by projecting a beam of light from an ophthalmoscope, an instrument about the size of a flashlight, through the pupil to view the back of the eyeball. The instrument has rotating lenses on top which can magnify the particular area being viewed (blood vessel, nerve, retina) up to 15 times. Each eye is examined individually, and the examination lasts about 3 to 5 minutes.
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy: You will either lie or sit in a semi-reclining position, and the examiner performs this examination by holding the eye open. The examiner wears an instrument on the head resembling a miner's light. While holding the eye open and using a hand-held instrument, the examiner shines a very bright light into the eye. Some pressure may be applied to the eyeball using a small, blunt instrument, and you will be asked to look in various directions. This examination takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
How to prepare for the test:
Indirect ophthalmoscopy is performed after eye drops are placed to dilate the pupils. Direct ophthalmoscopy can be performed with or without dilation of the pupil. The dilating drops may impair focusing of the eyes for several hours. Therefore, arrangements should be made for transportation after the examination. Wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses will make the patient with dilated pupils more comfortable.
You should tell the examiner if you: - are allergic to any medications
- are any medications are being taken
- have glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
Direct ophthalmoscopy: 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.
Indirect ophthalmoscopy: The light is brighter with indirect ophthalmoscopy, so the sensation of seeing after-images may be greater. Pressure put on the eyeball by the blunt instrument may be slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful. The fundus can usually be seen through cataracts.
If eyedrops are used, they may produce a brief stinging sensation when put in the eyes and a medicinal taste in the mouth caused by the medication draining from the tear ducts into the throat.
Why the test is performed:
Ophthalmoscopy is performed as part of a routine physical or complete eye examination to detect and evaluate symptoms of eye disease, such as glaucoma, or if diabetes, atherosclerosis, or hypertension is suspected.
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