Ophthalmoscopy
Ophthalmoscopy, also known as fundoscopy, is a noninvasive eye exam that allows a doctor to see the back of the eye, or fundus, using a magnifying lens and light.
During the exam, a doctor may use eye drops to dilate the patient’s pupils, which can take about 20 minutes to take effect. The drops can cause the eyes to sting, taste unusual, or make the eyes feel dry. The patient should wear sunglasses outside and may need someone to drive them home because their vision may be blurry.
Ophthalmoscopy can help detect eye problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye cancer, optic nerve problems, or eye injury. There are two types of ophthalmoscopy:
- Direct ophthalmoscopy: The doctor uses a tool that’s about the size of a small flashlight.
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy: The doctor uses a small handheld lens and a light attached to a headband or a slit lamp microscope. This method gives the doctor a wider view of the eye, even if the lens is clouded by cataracts.