An ophthalmoscopy or ophthalmoscopy is a routine examination performed by an ophthalmologist. It is performed not only for eye diseases, but also for diseases that threaten the eyes, such as diabetes. This examination is used to check if there are any pathological changes in the eye.
What is an ophthalmoscopy?
During an ophthalmoscopy, the eye is illuminated and the ophthalmologist uses a magnifying glass to look inside the eye through the pupil. Ophthalmoscopy is a painless and harmless examination of the back of the eye. In this procedure, the eye is illuminated and the ophthalmologist uses a magnifying glass to look through the pupil into the interior of the eye. This is done to examine parts of the eye that are not otherwise visible, such as the retina, choroid, optic disc and blood vessels, for pathological changes. An ophthalmoscopy is used for acute eye conditions, such as injuries to the eye, as well as long-term conditions that affect the eyes, such as diabetes.
Function, effect, and goals
As part of an annual preventive eye exam, regular ophthalmoscopy can detect early signs of possible disease to prevent more serious damage to the eye. This is because eye diseases can develop without symptoms being felt. An ophthalmoscopy is therefore used to detect possible diseases or changes in the eye so that they can be treated in time. Ophthalmoscopy is also used to examine different diseases. In some diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or vascular calcification, it is of great importance to check the back of the eye and blood vessels regularly because the eyes can be damaged by these diseases. Ophthalmoscopy is also used when there may be a retinal detachment or the optic nerve may be damaged. Furthermore, ophthalmoscopy can be used to visualize, for example, vascular occlusions in the central vein or central artery, glaucoma or tumors inside the eye. An age-related change in the retina (macular degeneration), which occurs more frequently after the age of 50 and can lead to blindness, is detected early by regular ophthalmoscopy and can often be treated in time. Most importantly, ophthalmoscopy allows an examination of the retina, choroid and the blood vessels that supply it. The optic nerve head (papilla), from which the optic nerve migrates into the eye socket, can also be examined. Ophthalmoscopy is performed by illuminating the pupil with the aid of a lamp, although the pupils can also be enlarged using special eye drops for a better view. A distinction is made between direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. In direct ophthalmoscopy, an electric eye mirror (ophthalmoscope) is used, which is equipped with a magnifying glass, different lenses and a lamp. This ophthalmoscope is brought as close as possible to the eye by the doctor, who then shines the light through the pupil into the interior of the eye. The different lenses make it possible to compensate for refractive errors, either in the doctor or the patient. In direct ophthalmoscopy, only a small portion of the back of the eye is visible, but greatly magnified and upright. The patient looks at a distant object during this examination. With direct ophthalmoscopy, it is possible to precisely check details such as the tendon exit point and the yellow spot (macula). It is also used to create a detailed examination of the central blood vessels. Indirect ophthalmoscopy requires another light source. Here, a converging lens is used, which the doctor holds at a certain distance in front of the patient’s eye, supporting himself with his hand on the patient’s forehead. At the same time, he directs the light source at the eye with the other hand. Indirect ophthalmoscopy provides a better overall view, but lower magnification than direct ophthalmoscopy.
Risks and dangers
Ophthalmoscopy is a routine examination performed by an ophthalmologist. Usually, it is harmless and not associated with risks. Before an ophthalmoscopy, the doctor will determine if there is anything that speaks against the use of pupil dilating medications. For example, glaucoma can be triggered by these drugs, whereby the intraocular pressure is greatly increased.When pupil-dilating drugs are used, the patient’s vision is blurred for a while. Until this effect has worn off after about five to six hours, the affected person should not participate in road traffic and should not operate machinery or perform work that strains the eyes, such as reading or computer work.
