Ophthalmoscopy
Funduscopy (Eye exam)
Results
Ophthalmoscopy is a test that allows a health professional to see inside the back of the eye (called the fundus) and other structures using a magnifying instrument (ophthalmoscope) and a light source.
Ophthalmoscopy Normal:
- All of the structures inside the eye appear normal. See a picture of a normal retina
as seen through an ophthalmoscope.
Abnormal:
- The retina is detached.
- Swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema) is found.
- Optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is found.
- Changes in the retina (such as hard, white deposits beneath the retina called drusen, or broken blood vessels called hemorrhages) indicate macular degeneration.
- Damaged blood vessels or bleeding in the back of the eye is seen. This could be caused by diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Cataracts are found.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: July 6, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
 | Results |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |