Fundus examination

Alternative names

Ophthalmoscopy, Fundoscopy.

Definition

Ophthalmoscopy or study of the fundus is a diagnostic technique that consists of visualizing the posterior pole of the eyeball, which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels.

There are three basic types of ophthalmoscopy:

• Direct ophthalmoscopy: a simple technique in which the eye examination is performed using a monocular ophthalmoscope.
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy: a technique in which the eye examination is performed using a binocular ophthalmoscope and an external light source.
• Indirect slit lamp ophthalmoscopy: A complex technique in which the eye examination is performed using a slit lamp.

How is the fundus examination performed?

In direct ophthalmoscopy the patient remains seated without moving in a dark room, the doctor will bring the ophthalmoscope first to one eye and then to the opposite eye and visualize the fundus, the patient should avoid blinking and should follow the instructions while the physician perform visualization.

In indirect ophthalmoscopy, the patient remains lying down or semi-inclined without moving on a table in a dark room, the doctor will project an external light beam first on one eye and then on the opposite eye and visualize the fundus through the ophthalmoscope. binocular that he wears placed over his eyes; the patient should avoid blinking and should follow the instructions while the physician performs the visualization.

In indirect slit lamp ophthalmoscopy, the patient remains seated without moving in a dark room leaning on the slit lamp, avoid blinking and follow the instructions while the doctor performs the visualization. This is a complex technique that must be performed by a specialist in Ophthalmology.

Preparation for the exam

It does not require prior preparation by the patient.

The patient should inform his doctor if he suffers from any systemic or ocular disease, especially glaucoma, if he takes any type of medication and what medication it is, and if he suffers from any type of drug allergy. In consultation, the use of a topical mydriatic may be necessary for better visualization. The exam usually lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

What does the test feel like?

The fundus study is painless.

After the study, if the use of a mydriatic has been necessary, the patient may have blurred vision, difficulty in accommodation and sensitivity to light, so it is recommended to wear sunglasses and avoid driving.

Study risks

• allergy to the drug used during the examination.
• Irritation or itching after administration of mydriatic eye drops.

What is the study done for?

The study of the fundus is a relatively simple technique that can provide a lot of information to the doctor, not only about diseases that can affect only the eyeball, such as alterations of the retina, the optic nerve or the blood vessels; but also on systemic diseases that can affect and damage the posterior pole producing significant visual loss or even blindness such as diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure among others. The study makes it possible to diagnose and monitor these pathologies.

• It consists of visualizing the retina, optic disc, choroid and blood vessels.
• It is a painless technique that provides information on alterations of the retina, optic nerve or blood vessels.
• It also allows diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes or hypertension, among other systemic diseases, which can affect and damage the posterior pole of the eye.