What Is Ophthalmoscopy?
Ophthalmoscopy is a test performed by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). It may also be known as fundoscopy. The ophthalmoscopy is performed by an instrument known as an ophthalmoscope. Ophthalmoscopy is performed when the doctor wants to visualize the parts at the back of the eye, such as the fundus, the retina, the optic disc, and its blood vessels. This test forms part of a routine eye examination. This test shows the health of the retina and the fundus. The components of the posterior eye can be viewed through the pupil. The pupils can be dilated using specific eye drops to view the fundus and retina. However, the eyes' parts can be viewed without dilating the pupil.
What Are the Types of Ophthalmoscopy?
The two types of ophthalmoscopy are:
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Direct Ophthalmoscopy: Direct ophthalmoscope is an instrument about the size of a small torchlight with various lenses that can amplify up to around 15 times. This type of ophthalmoscope is generally utilized during a routine assessment of the eyes. The container ophthalmoscope has a bigger lens with a variable centering, considering a more extensive field of view.
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Indirect Ophthalmoscopy: Indirect ophthalmoscopy is a light joined to a headband and a small handpiece lens. It gives a more extensive perspective to the eye. Moreover, it permits a superior perspective on the fundus of the eye, regardless of whether cataracts blur the lens. This device can be monocular as well as binocular. This device is mainly used to view the periphery of the retina.
When Is Ophthalmoscopy Used?
Ophthalmoscopy can be used for the basic examination of the eye. It can also be used to check for eye diseases. Ophthalmoscopy can be used to check for:
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A Retinal Tear: A condition where the retina detaches from the vitreous media.
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Optic Nerve Abnormalities: This device is used to visualize various abnormalities of the optic nerve.
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Optic Disc Abnormalities: An ophthalmoscope helps to view various abnormalities of the optic disc such as optic disc drusen.
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Glaucoma: It is a condition that affects the optic nerve.
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Infections: An ophthalmoscope is used to visualize the impact of any infection of the eye.
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Wet Macular Degeneration: It is a degenerative condition of the eye that causes blurring of vision.
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Hypertension: An ophthalmoscope is used to check for the complications of hypertension in the eye.
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Diabetes: This device is used to check for diabetic-related complications of the eye.
What Happens Before the Ophthalmoscopy Procedure?
Before starting an ophthalmoscopy procedure, the doctor may require dilating the eyes. For this, medicated eye drops may be used to dilate the eyes. This may make the pupils expand for some time enabling them to view the components of the eye. These eye drops can make the vision foggy and delicate to light for a couple of hours. The person undergoing this test ought to carry shades to protect one's eyes from bright light as long as the pupils are dilated. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid driving. It is advisable to avoid heavy work after the procedure as the vision may be unclear. The doctor should be informed prior in case of any allergy to any medication. In case of a family history or patient history of glaucoma, the doctor may use alternative medication that does not increase the intraocular pressure.
How Is Ophthalmoscopy Performed?
After dilating the pupils, the doctor may begin the procedure. The doctor will view the back of the eyes. The doctor may make use of three types of procedures which include:
1. Direct Examination of the Eyes:
The doctor will have the patient seated on the examination chair. After making the patient comfortable, he will use a direct ophthalmoscope to view the eye. He may change the lens to have the optimum examination. The doctor will ask the patient to look in different directions to visualize the eyes properly.
2. Indirect Examination of the Eyes:
The indirect examination will be helpful in visualizing the components of the eyes in detail. Instead of sitting, the patient will be asked to lie down during the indirect examination. The doctor will make use of the light attached to his forehead. He will use handheld lenses of various degrees of magnification. The lenses will help view the components of the eye in detail. The doctor will then reflect the light into the eyes with the help of the lens and view the components in detail. The doctor will ask the patient to look in different directions to visualize the eyes properly. The doctor may also apply pressure using a blunt probe and check for a reaction.
3. Slit-Lamp Examination of the Eyes:
The slit-lamp examination of the eyes gives a greater magnification than the indirect examination. The patient will sit in front of an instrument known as a slit-lamp. It will have a spot for one to rest the jaws and forehead. This will assist with keeping one’s head consistent during the test. After settling down, the doctor will turn on a bright light before the eyes. Then, at that point, they will utilize a magnifying lens to check out the back of the eyes. They might request the patient to glance in various ways and utilize their finger to open the eye to get a superior view. They may likewise apply mild pressure to the eyes using a blunt probe.
What Are the Risks After Ophthalmoscopy?
Ophthalmoscopy is here and there awkward, yet it ought to be easy. One might see images after the light has been switched off. Those after images ought to disappear after some time. The person may experience blurry vision for a few hours after dilation. Hence it is better to avoid hard work and driving. This process as such does not cause any risk but the eyedrops that may be used to dilate the eyes may cause some side effects. These side effects may include dry mouth and narrow-angle glaucoma.
Conclusion
Ophthalmoscopy is a test performed by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). It is a routine test performed by the eye doctor. It is of two types, direct and indirect. This test helps in diagnosing conditions of the eye such as glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Periodic eye checkups with ophthalmoscopy aid in diagnosing many eye conditions and also aids in preventing many conditions.
