Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eye (fundus), which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels.
There are different types of ophthalmoscopy.
The opthalmoscopy examination usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy are performed after eye drops are placed to widen (dilate) the pupils. Direct ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy can be performed with or without the pupil dilated.
The eye drops may make it hard for you to focus your eyes for several hours. You should arrange to have someone else drive you after the examination. Wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses will help make your dilated pupils more comfortable.
You should tell the health care provider if you:
The bright light will be uncomfortable, but the test is not painful.
You may briefly see images after the light shines in your eyes. The light is brighter with indirect ophthalmoscopy, so the sensation of seeing after-images may be greater.
Pressure on the eye during indirect ophthalmoscopy by may be slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.
If eyedrops are used, they may sting briefly when placed in the eyes. You may also have an unusual taste in your mouth.
Ophthalmoscopy is done as part of a routine physical or complete eye examination.
It is used to detect and evaluate symptoms of retinal detachment or eye diseases such as glaucoma.
Ophthalmoscopy may also be done if you have signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other diseases that affect the blood vessels.
The retina, blood vessels, and the optic disc should appear normal.
Abnormal results may be seen on ophthalmoscopy with any of the following conditions:
The test itself involves no risk. The dilating eye drops may rarely cause:
If glaucoma is suspected, drops usually are not used.
Ophthalmoscopy is considered to be 90-95% accurate. It can detect the early stages and effects of many serious diseases.
Funduscopy
Colenbrander A. Principles of Ophthalmology. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 63.
Volk D. Aspheric Lenses. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 50.
Miller D, Thall EH, Atebara NH. Ophthalmic instrumentation. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 2.10.
American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee, Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2010. Accessed January 17, 2011.
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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