The examination of the fundus of the eye is a most important diagnostic procedure.
With an ophthalmoscope it is possible to look through the pupil to the back of the eye and examine the retina , optic nerve, blood vessels and choroid.
With this examination, many eye diseases can be detected at an early stage. Serious diseases can thus be treated early and the chances of recovery increased. With the examination of the back of the eye, we examine the optic nerve head, the retina, the macula as well as the vitreous body.
Procedure of the ocular fundus examination
In order to have a better view of the back of the eye, the patient is given special eye drops in the office that temporarily dilate the pupils and allow the ophthalmologist to have a clear view. Then there are several methods of examination
- With direct mirroring, the ophthalmologist can see the back of the eye greatly magnified through a so-called ophthalmoscope, so that even the smallest structures can be seen. However, only a small part of the eye fundus can be seen.
- With indirect reflection, on the other hand, large retinal areas can be viewed. With the help of a special device, a three-dimensional image of the structures at the back of the eye can also be generated.
- Contact glass examination is an examination method to view the retina in all areas and with high magnification. It is performed with the help of the slit lamp. The surface of the eye is superficially anesthetized with drops, as the ophthalmologist places the contact glass directly on the eye. In this way, for example, the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye can also be examined, which can be important for the diagnosis of glaucoma.