Ophthalmoscopy is an exam that is performed to study, in depth, the structures that make up the back of the eyeball.
Through this test, the ophthalmologist manages to diagnose injuries associated with the retina, the optical disk, the choroid and blood vessels.
It is a routine test that is performed to detect glaucoma and retinal detachments.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain below what ophthalmoscopy is and what are the different types of procedures that can be applied.
What is an ophthalmoscopy?
Ophthalmoscopy is a test that allows you to deeply evaluate the fundus of the eye through the pupil and of transparent structures like the cornea, crystalline, vitreous humor and aqueous humor.
It is a very important test to monitor the treatment of different diseases such as glaucoma, and it is one of the few tests that allows the ophthalmologist to observe the vascular system in a non-aggressive or invasive way.
Ophthalmoscopy is performed with an ophthalmoscope, a kind of flashlight and amplifier that projects a beam of light to observe clearly the posterior area of the eye.
Types of ophthalmoscopy
According to the procedure that is applied, we can classify this test into different types, which are:
Direct ophthalmoscopy
To perform this test, the patient must remain seated in a dark room while the ophthalmologist projects the beam of light from the ophthalmoscope.
The light will pass through the pupil and allow the ophthalmologist to see in detail the posterior structures such as the retina, optic disc, choroids and blood vessels.
Indirect ophthalmoscopy
Before performing an indirect ophthalmoscopy, the ophthalmologist should apply drops to the patient's eyes to dilate the pupil.
The patient should be lying down or sitting in a semi-reclined position while the ophthalmologist holds the eyes open.
The specialist, through an indirect ophthalmoscope, will project a very bright light into the eye. The indirect ophthalmoscope would be like a kind of flashlight that the ophthalmologist puts on his forehead.
While projecting the light, the ophthalmologist will visualize the fundus of the eye through a lens that will hold with the hand on the ocular structure.
While the doctor examines the eye, the patient should look in different directions.
Ophthalmoscopy with slit lamp
To perform an ophthalmoscopy with a slit lamp, the patient must place the chin on the chinrest of the equipment.
The ophthalmologist will use the microscope with the lamp and a lens that will be placed in front of the eye to be examined.
With this technique, the doctor can see the same structures as with an indirect ophthalmoscopy, but with a higher degree of amplification.
To perform this test it is also necessary to dilate the pupils.
When is an ophthalmoscopy recommended?
Ophthalmoscopy is part of a series of tests that make up the ophthalmologic review routine
This test is also usually indicated when the doctor wants to detect symptoms of retinal detachment or the presence of glaucoma.
It is also indicated in people suffering from Hypertension, diabetes and other conditions that may affect blood vessels.
Through ophthalmoscopy, the following conditions can be diagnosed:
- Acute vision loss due to macular degeneration.
- Viral inflammation of the retina.
- Glaucoma.
- Melanoma of the eye.
- Injuries of optic nerve.
Do you need a routine exam or know more about ophthalmoscopy? Contact us! In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada and we will attend you as soon as possible.
