Eye fundus examination

Fundus Examination

A fundus examination, also known as ophthalmoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure during which the internal structures of the eye are examined, including the retina, optic nerve disc, macula, and blood vessels. This examination allows the assessment of these structures and the detection of possible abnormalities.

Preparation for the examination

Before the fundus examination, special eye drops are often administered to dilate the pupils and allow a better view of the fundus. These drops cause pupil dilation that may last for several hours. As a result, patients may experience increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and temporary blurred vision, especially for near vision.

For this reason, it is important to avoid driving or activities requiring clear vision after the examination. It is recommended to bring sunglasses to help reduce discomfort caused by bright light.

Procedure

The examination is performed in an ophthalmologist’s office. The patient is usually seated comfortably. The doctor uses a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope, which emits light and allows examination of the fundus through the dilated pupil.

There are two main types of ophthalmoscopy:

• Direct ophthalmoscopy: the doctor holds the ophthalmoscope close to the patient’s eye and examines the fundus directly. This method provides a magnified but narrower view.
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy: the doctor uses a special lens held in front of the patient’s eye and a light source (often a head-mounted ophthalmoscope). This method provides a wider, though less magnified, view of the fundus, allowing examination of a larger area of the retina.

The examination usually takes only a few minutes and is painless, although some patients may experience mild discomfort due to bright light.

Importance of the examination

The fundus examination is an important diagnostic tool that helps detect various eye diseases and conditions at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. During the examination, it is possible to assess:

• The retina: to detect retinal detachment, tears, degenerative changes, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and other conditions.
• The optic nerve disc: evaluation of its color, shape, and margins may help diagnose glaucoma, optic neuritis, or swelling of the optic nerve.
• Blood vessels: assessment of retinal blood vessels may reflect systemic conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes.
• The macula: evaluation of the central vision area responsible for sharp vision.

Regular fundus examinations are important not only for the prevention and early diagnosis of eye diseases but also for monitoring overall health, as changes in the fundus may be the first signs of certain systemic diseases.