Ophthalmoscopy Health Article

Definition

Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eyeball (fundus), which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels.

Alternative Names

Funduscopy

How the test is performed

There are different types of ophthalmoscopy.

• Direct ophthalmoscopy
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy
• Slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy

Direct ophthalmoscopy: You will be seated in a darkened room. The health care provider performs this common exam by shining a beam of light through the pupil using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. An ophthalmoscope is about the size of a flashlight. It allows the examiner to view the back of the eyeball.

Indirect ophthalmoscopy: You will either lie or sit in a semi-reclined position. The health care provider holds your eye open while shining a very bright light into the eye using an instrument worn on the head. (The instrument looks like a miner's light.) Some pressure may be applied to the eyeball using a small, blunt tool. You will be asked to look in various directions.

For information on slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy, see the article: Slit-lamp exam

Opthalmoscopy examination takes about 5 and 10 minutes.

How to prepare for the test

Indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy are performed after eye drops are placed to widen (dilate) the pupils. Direct ophthalmoscopy can be performed with or without dilation of the pupil.

The eye drops may make it hard to focus your eyes for several hours. You should arrange to have someone else to drive 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:

• Are allergic to any medications
• Are taking any medications
• Have glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma

How the test will feel

The bright light will be uncomfortable, but the test is not painful.

You may have a brief sensation of seeing 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 put on the eyeball during indirect ophthalmoscopy by may be slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

If eyedrops are used, they may produce a brief stinging sensation when placed in the eyes and an unusual taste in the mouth.