Funduscopy, examination to detect various eye diseases

The eye is an important organ of the human body, especially for carrying out daily life. In order to maintain eye health, it is important for you to have regular eye examinations. One of the most common types of eye examinations is fundoscopy, also known as ophthalmoscopy.

What is fundoscopy (ophthalmoscopy)?

Fundoscopy, or ophthalmoscopy, is a part of an eye exam that examines the back and inside of your eye. Parts of the eye that can be examined include the retina, blood vessels, optic nerve, and optic disc.

During the examination, the doctor will use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. The device is shaped like a flashlight and is equipped with small lenses that are used to see the inside of the eyeball. The ophthalmoscope can help the doctor detect other eye diseases or disorders.

When should I undergo this examination?

Funduscopy, or ophthalmoscopy, is an eye examination that is performed when the doctor detects possible disease related to the inner parts of the eye.

The following are some of the diseases and health conditions that can be detected by fundoscopy:

• Eye problems related to systemic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Injury or tear to the retina of the eye
• Optic nerve damage
• Macular degeneration, decreased vision due to aging
• Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread to the eye
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an infection of the retina

In addition, these tests are often included in routine eye examinations that are performed to check eye health.

What should I prepare before undergoing the examination?

Before undergoing a funduscopic examination (ophthalmoscopy), you will be given eye drops that function to dilate your pupils. This will make the pupils easier to see and examine.

These eye drops may make your vision blurry and more sensitive to light. However, these effects will only last for a few hours.

You also need to prepare and bring sunglasses when undergoing the examination. These glasses are important to protect your eyes when the pupil is still dilated.

Also, it's a good idea to ask someone to accompany you and drive you home after the check, especially if you are used to driving or driving alone.

What is the funduscopic examination procedure like?

Before the examination, the doctor will first ask you and your family's medical history. You also need to tell your doctor what drugs you are currently using, or drugs that cause an allergic reaction in your body.

The reason is, the eye drops used to dilate the pupil can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

In addition, it is also important to inform your doctor if you have glaucoma. Eye drops for fundoscopy run the risk of increasing pressure on your eyeball.

Eye drops will be given 20 minutes before the examination is carried out. You may feel a slight sting in your eye, but for a short time. In rare cases, these eye drops can cause dizziness, nausea, and a dry mouth sensation.

In general, there are 3 types of fundoscopic examinations available, namely direct, indirect, and use examinations slit lamp. Here is the explanation:

1. Direct fundoscopy

In this method, you will be asked to sit down, then the room lights will be turned off. The doctor will sit in front of you and use an ophthalmoscope to examine your eye. If you wear glasses, you will be asked to remove them first.

After that, the doctor will ask you to look straight ahead and not move your head at all. The light from the ophthalmoscope will be shone into your eye. With this tool, the doctor will check the inside of your eye.

2. Indirect fundoscopy

The indirect method of examination can help your doctor see the inside of your eye in more detail. The tools used will be slightly different from direct fundoscopy.

In this method, you will be asked to lie down or sit in a half lying position. Next, the doctor will wear a flashlight attached to his forehead.

The examination is carried out with a lens that is placed in front of your eye, with the help of the flashlight earlier. Your doctor may ask you to look in certain directions while examining the back of your eye.

With this technique, your doctor may combine it with other testing methods, such as sclera depression. The combination of these two methods can help the doctor see further into the retina of the eye, so that the doctor can detect any cuts or tears.

3. Fundoscopy slit-lamp

This technique uses a tool called a microscope slit-lamp, that is, a microscope equipped with a high-powered slit lamp. Examination with slit-lamp can give the eye a bigger look.

You will be asked to sit with your chin and forehead resting on a special support. The doctor will then use a microscope and a small lens to examine the inside of your eye.

Are there any risks and side effects to this test?

Fundoscopy is a relatively safe eye test. Indeed, sometimes some people complain of discomfort in the eye, but this test usually will not cause pain.

In rare cases, you may experience the following side effects from using eye drops, such as:

• Dry mouth
• Blurry vision
• Red face
• Dizzy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Risk of angle closure glaucoma

Talk to your doctor first about the potential risks and side effects of this examination.

How do I read the results of the funduscopy test?

The results of the funduscopy test consist of normal and abnormal results.

In normal results, the inner parts of your eye such as the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels will look fine.

However, an abnormal result, such as dots or swelling on the retina, may be a sign of eye disease or disorder.

According to the MedlinePlus website, fundoscopy is an eye exam that can be said to be 90-95% accurate. The test can detect the early stages of development as well as the effects of many serious illnesses. For other conditions that cannot be checked by fundoscopy, the doctor will recommend another examination method.